Stefano Okaka has returned to Udinese from Watford, but assured it was “love at first sight and my priority was to return here. I had offers, but needed to feel happy.”
The forward had already spent January to June in Udine on loan, scoring six goals in 16 games, but had to wait until the last minutes of transfer deadline day to return.
“I was under contract in June and therefore had to go back to Watford,” said the Italy international in his Press conference.
Stefano Okaka has returned to Udinese from Watford, but assured it was “love at first sight and my priority was to return here. I had offers, but needed to feel happy.”
The forward had already spent January to June in Udine on loan, scoring six goals in 16 games, but had to wait until the last minutes of transfer deadline day to return.
“I was under contract in June and therefore had to go back to Watford,” said the Italy international in his Press conference.
“From the moment I arrived in Udine, it was love at first sight, as I was welcomed with open arms and it felt like home. In June, I met director Pierpaolo Marino and decided I had to return here, because at this stage of my career, I need someone like him helping me achieve the dreams I never let go of.
“I received many offers over the last few months, but I needed to feel happy. My priority was to return here and I just had to wait.”
There had been rumours of a clash with Coach Igor Tudor, but both Marino and Okaka shrugged off these suggestions.
“I think the team is stronger than last season. It was difficult in January because we lacked experience, but Udinese have done well to bolster that area of the squad and learn from those mistakes.
“I am in good shape physically and competition for places fires me up. The objective is to score as many goals as possible, provide assists, help Udinese get back to where they belong.”
Okaka was asked if he was also targeting a spot in Italy’s Euro 2020 squad.
“Of course I am thinking about it, but right now I have to be focused on Udinese, then everything else is a consequence of that.”