Maduka Okoye has spoken about his gratitude to Udinese and his ambitions to keep improving, after playing a key role in one of the most eye-catching results in Serie A this season, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian international was between the sticks as Udinese dismantled AC Milan 3-0 at San Siro last Saturday , a shocking result in the Italian top flight.
Milan, who came into the match third in the table, were left nervously looking over their shoulder at the teams below them after a night on which Udinese were simply superior in every meaningful way.
Okoye’s contribution went beyond just staying unbeaten. With Milan pushing hard for a way back into the game early in the second half, the 25-year-old produced a crucial stop to deny Saelemaekers after a corner situation, keeping the scoreline intact at a moment when the hosts were building momentum.
It was the kind of intervention that wins matches, and Okoye knows it.
‘They’ve never made me feel alone’
Appearing on Udinese Tonight following the win, the Super Eagles goalkeeper was reflective about what this period means to him personally.
“I’ll never forget last weekend. Beating Milan 3-0 at San Siro was special for all of us. We weren’t lucky, it was all about quality and energy,” he said.
On keeping three consecutive clean sheets, he was characteristically measured.
“For me, keeping a clean sheet is like scoring a goal. It’s all down to teamwork, which starts from the attack.”
Maduka Okoye made three saves in today's Serie A game against AC Milan.
The Nigerian goalkeeper has kept three clean sheets in his last three games for Bianconeri.
But it was his words about the club that carried the most weight.
“I want to repay Udinese for what they’ve done for me over these past months. They’ve never made me feel alone and they have always believed in me,” he said, singling out head coach Kosta Runjaic as someone who has been particularly important to his development.
Okoye also acknowledged what he still needs to work on, pointing to aerial situations and his distribution as areas where he wants to be sharper.
That kind of honesty, from a goalkeeper clearly growing in stature, will only add to the confidence Udinese have already placed in him.
Udinese face Parma next on Saturday , and Okoye has already moved on mentally.
