Angelo Ogbonna is ready to listen to offers after the end of his contract with West Ham and feels Riccardo Calafiori must do one thing to avoid feeling the pressure from a hefty transfer fee at Arsenal.
Ogbonna released an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport on Monday saying that he’s ready to start a new chapter of his career after a nine-year spell at West Ham.
His contract with the Hammers expired on June 30, and he’s been linked with a move to Fiorentina over the last few days.
“I am 36 and I feel well physically and mentally. I am working with a personal trainer and I am ready if an offer arrives,” said the Italian centre-back.
“I want to continue playing football. The sporting aspect is the most important thing. I will evaluate any offer.
“I still feel like a footballer,” he insisted.
“I know that other ex-players, such as Thiago Motta and De Rossi, thought about their future while still playing, but I am not like this. I only think about the pitch.”
Ogbonna gives advice to Calafiori over Arsenal transfer fee and talks ‘immense’ West Ham honour
Ogbonna, De Rossi and Motta were part of the Italy squad at EURO 2016 when the Azzurri, coached by Antonio Conte, were eliminated on penalties by Germany.
“I know them [Motta and De Rossi] well, they were coaches also on the pitch,” said Ogbonna,
“The fact that promising and modern coaches are making their way in Serie A is positive. It’s not a coincidence that the quality has risen.
“I am so happy that Conte is back,” Ogbonna continued.
“I don’t know if Napoli can already win the Scudetto, but if there is one person who can make the miracle it’s him.”
During his nine-year stay at West Ham, Ogbonna became the Italian player with the most Premier League appearances after Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola. Would he ever expect it?
“Never. Those nine years have flown by,” he said.
“It was an immense honour to play so many games for West Ham and winning the Conference League was amazing.”
Ogbonna said that Sergio Aguero was the toughest striker he met in England and explained what London meant to him.
“Home. My two children were born in London,” he said.
“We live in Battersea, a green neighbourhood. That’s why my wife and I chose it. The kids can go out and spend a lot of time doing sports, which is important to us.”
More Italian players are now expected to take centre stage in the Premier League. Sandro Tonali will return after a ten-month ban for gambling next month, while Calafiori is expected to join Arsenal soon.
“I don’t know Sandro personally. I haven’t talked to him, but I hope he can return to the pitch soon,” said Ogbonna.
“It’s important to have people around you who are ready to help, and I think that’s his case. Unfortunately, social media and smartphones amplify everything these days and it’s easier to do silly things. That’s why I am very cautious with my children. Calafiori must only think about playing and being himself. It will be the only way not to feel the pressure from his transfer fee.”
Ogbonna reveals he wanted to play with Italy legend: ‘No offence to the English’