Angelo Ogbonna insists the he wasn’t sure of his place in Italy’s final 23-man squad until late on Tuesday morning.
With two players left to cut from a group of 25, it was believed that Ogbonna and Andrea Ranocchia were in direct competition for the last defender spot. It went to the Torino man.
Angelo Ogbonna insists the he wasn’t sure of his place in Italy’s final 23-man squad until late on Tuesday morning.
With two players left to cut from a group of 25, it was believed that Ogbonna and Andrea Ranocchia were in direct competition for the last defender spot. It went to the Torino man.
“I didn’t know anything until the final moments and then I understood that my dream had come true,” stated the stopper.
“I don’t know specifically why Prandelli chose me, but I’m thankful and I’ll give my all to find some space in the team – even if that is just for five minutes of action.”
Despite playing his club football in Serie B, the 24-year-old has won the faith of the Coach for his ability to play in the middle but also as a left-back if needed.
Ogbonna is widely recognised as a potential star for the future and it is no surprise that his name has been linked with some of Italy’s biggest clubs.
“My future is taking one day at a time,” he said at the end of a season which has seen the Granata promoted to the top flight.
“That’s why I’m just thinking about Friday’s game against Russia for now.
“I concentrate on playing as I’m not interested in club matters, my agents look after things like that. I have a contract with Torino and that’s that.”
Ogbonna extended his contract with the club until 2016 earlier this season.