Every word Okoli said on first Italy call-up, EPL debut and Leicester City transfer | OneFootball

Leicester City centre-back Caleb Okoli is delighted with his first Italy call-up but reveals that he strongly wanted to play in the Premier League, so he didn’t listen to offers from Serie A clubs this summer.

Italy defender Okoli held a press conference at Coverciano on Tuesday, joining his former Frosinone teammate Marco Brescianini, now at Atalanta.

Both players have received their first Italy call-up for games against France and Israel. Okoli made his Premier League debut with Leicester City last week.

“I had great emotions. The Premier League debut was very important for me,” Okoli said at a press conference attended by Football Italia.

“I only knew about the senior [Italy] call-up a few days earlier, and I am really happy with it.

“I am convinced I’ll get a lot of experience on a European level at Leicester. I play in the Premier League and I am happy. I think this experience will give me a lot, and I’m ready to bring what I’ve learned here.”

Isn’t he disappointed that no Serie A clubs called him last summer?

“In truth, I received some calls, but my dream was always to play in the Premier League,” the defender admitted.

“I’ve always wanted to play there and when I had the chance, I took it.”

Okoli played on loan at Frosinone last season. The Ciociari could not secure survival, but many young players emerged, including him, Brescianini and Matias Soulé.

“It was an important year. I was lucky to receive nice words from Spalletti when he watched our training sessions last season,” said Okoli.

“He was focused on professionalism and working hard daily to improve even just 1%. I’ve always thought about his words, and I am happy he saw something more from that day.”

Why is Italy struggling so much at a senior level despite promising results from young teams?

“In U21, I had teammates like Fagioli, Ricci, Bellanova and Udogie. They were my teammates then and now we are together here. They are doing great things in top-tier leagues. I think we are going the right direction with more Italian players emerging,” said Okoli.

“Probably, the problem is not solved. Every day, 17-18-year-old players get playing time abroad, but this is the right direction. Hopefully, we will soon see young, strong Italian players play in top-tier leagues one day.”

Gigi Buffon and Luciano Spalletti held a speech before the first training session on Monday and Okoli was quite impressed.

“Buffon’s speech was emotional, and I immediately understood his role in this national team,” said the defender.

“I am convinced everyone will change their mind about the national team. He [Buffon] said we must do anything to represent this country in the best way and I am convinced that we’ll make it.”

What was the most impressive Premier League thing on his debut?

“The first thing I noticed was the high intensity and quick transitions,” said the Leicester City defender. “This is the first thing that impressed me.”

Would he ever expect to get the first call-up with Brescianini?

“I’ve always believed in Marco. I’ve always thought he’s a great player and a great person,” argued Okoli.

“I’ve always believed I could be called up and I hoped he’d be called up too. Now, we are here together.”

Does he feel more pressure or more motivation after a disappointing EURO 2024?

“I see it as a motivation. I think this sort of pressure is a motivation,” insisted Okoli.

“As the coach and Buffon said, what we need to prove is personality and have all the same mentality. Putting in personality is the most important thing.”

What’s his favourite position in a three-man defence and what does he expect from the game against France?

“I feel at ease in every position in a three-man defence,” said Okoli.

“I played in any position last season, I think I can play well in every position in defence.

“I expect a big game, with high intensity and great emotions. I am sure we’ll do great things working together.”

Okoli played in the Atalanta youth sector before joining Frosinone on loan, while Brescianini moved to Bergamo this summer. What did Okoli learn at the club?

“Atalanta were so important for me,” the defender replied.

“I am happy with the path I took there. It was like a family. I was only 14 when I joined them. They gave me so much. I am happy with the targets I reached. They’ll always be part of me. I told Marco [Brescianini] that playing there would be a great choice, and I am convinced he’ll do great things.

“It was an important summer,” concluded Okoli.

“I was given the chance to play in the Premier League. I am happy with my decision and can’t wait to consolidate myself in the Premier League. Now, however, I am totally focused on the national team.”