Bologna defender Stefan Posch reveals he was close to joining Arsenal when he was 16 and praises Rossoblu coach Thiago Motta: ‘A great motivator.’
The Austria international moved to the Stadio Dall’Ara on an initial loan deal from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim in the summer and has had an immediate impact with four goals in 14 appearances in Serie A.
However, he used t play as a striker at the beginning of his playing career and was close to joining Arsenal when he was 16.
“I can play any role for my team. When I was a kid, I used to score many goals, my idols were Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry,” the 25-year-old told Gazzetta.
“When I was 16, I went to London four times. Arsenal had already chosen the family where I’d be living. It would have been me, a goalkeeper and Hector Bellerin. They told me to go to Germany and prepare my suitcase but in the end they didn’t reach an agreement with my club.”
He’s been deployed as a right-back or as a central defender during his time at the Stadio Dall’Ara.
“Now, I have more freedom to attack when I play as a right-back and I can be more effective with goals and assists. I also like to play as a centre-back because I enjoy challenges with strikers. My role model is Sergio Ramos.”
Bologna have won three of their last five matches in Serie A and are just one point below a Conference League placement.
“We’ve shown unity, especially over the last few weeks with many players injured,” said Posch.
“We have quality and Thiago Motta makes everyone feels involved. He knows how to prepare games well and is a great motivator.”
Posch has joined his compatriot Marko Arnautovic at the Stadio Dall’Ara and the experienced striker has helped him settle in Italy.
“Marko suggested me to join Bologna and he was right. He is such a nice guy who’s been helping me so much. He talks a lot with everyone.”
Bologna have an obligation to make Posch’s move permanent for €5m at the end of the season if certain conditions are met.