“I always knew football was inside me” – Super Eagles-eligible Tottenham signing

Tottenham have completed the signing of Italy U-21 international of Nigerian descent

New Tottenham signing, Destiny Udogie has said he always had football in him and had always wanted to play the game.

Udogie in his first interview with Tottenham revealed how important his family has been to his progress as a footballer and how he started his journey with the Verona juniors.

The 20-year-old defender put pen to paper on a 5-year deal until June 2027, but will spend his first season of the contract on loan at Udinese.

Udogie was one of the brightest young players in Italy last season scoring five goals in thirty-five games from his left wing-back position.

What did Udogie say about his career so far?

“I always knew that football was inside me, it was my dream since childhood. I started when I was four years old. I live in Verona, 20 minutes from the centre. My family is there with me,” Udogie said.

My family is everything because I ask them a lot of questions, they help me a lot and they are always with me when I go to Udine. Every weekend they come with me. All of them are very close to me and important for me.

“My father pushes me a lot to be focused and serious in the game and I think this helped me a lot. When I see my friends playing and going out , I prefer to stay home, relax for the training.

“Hellas Verona was like the big dream. I grew up in Verona and it was the dream of every child of Verona. I was ten years-old and I did two weeks of trial. When I got inside, I knew it was time for me to settle down and focus.”

Udogie revealed his pleasure at attaining a professional level already in Serie A and said it’s a privilege he will be under one of the best managers in football in Antonio Conte.

While Nigeria hasn’t made overtures, the player has previously stated his desire to play for the Italian senior national team having represented in every junior level already.