Okoye confirms Inter approach and Cannavaro meeting | OneFootball

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye confirms that Inter made an approach for him this summer, but were put off by the €15m asking price, while he reveals that first meeting with Fabio Cannavaro.

The Nerazzurri needed a goalkeeper to act as understudy and future heir to Switzerland international Yann Sommer, so had zeroed in on Okoye.

“The interest from Inter was concrete, but Udinese were asking for €15m to buy me,” the shot-stopper told Transfermarkt.

“It would’ve been a dream, but I don’t regret how things went. I am happy to still be at this club, to be the Number 1 here. The situation could repeat itself if I keep working hard and maintain constant performances.

“I want to stay in Italy, this is a choice I have made. I like this land, the people in it and the atmosphere. I am happy in Udine and want to take the club high with as many points as possible.”

Okoye settled in Serie A

Born in Germany and playing his international football for Nigeria with 16 senior caps, the 25-year-old had experiences in Germany, the Netherlands and even England with Watford before coming to Udinese in 2023.

“I don’t see myself being elsewhere in January, as my focus is all on Udinese. I want to end the season here and continue working with Runjaic, who is a very important coach for me.”

Okoye also enjoyed working with predecessor Fabio Cannavaro, albeit for a very brief period to avoid relegation from Serie A.

“He is a special person, like a big brother or a cousin. I’d only ever seen him on TV or in a Play Station game, but he came up, hugged me and said: ‘I am your new coach.’

“He approached us like the head of the family, cancelling out the pressure we had around us at that moment. Cannavaro will have success as a coach, 100 per cent.”