There’s a lovely little future on former Fulham defender Denis Odoi’s remarkable route to the World Cup finals with Ghana on the Daily Mail website.
Our loveable utility man left Craven Cottage as a Belgian international but, after starring since returning to his homeland with Club Brugge, Odoi has switched his international allegiance to the Black Stars and is set to feature against Portugal this afternon.
He tells the Mail:
‘I’m living in the moment but at the same time it’s a bit crazy what’s happening to me. I still speak to Fulham team-mates like Harrison Reed, Neeskens Kebano and Bobby Decordova-Reed. They are like “Oh, so the Champions League was easy for you and now you’re Mr World Cup as well!
Odoi admits that he doesn’t have as much Ghanaian heritage as other members of the Black Stars squad, but is looking forward to trying to exact revenge following their 2010 exit at the hands of Uruguay.
“People want revenge for what happened. The players as well, particularly guys like Andre Ayew who was in that squad. He will make sure the younger ones are aware of what it’s about. The Ghanaians want redemption and justice for that.”
He hopes that his compatriots can make Ghana proud.
“I think the Ghana people expect us to qualify for the next round and that’s how we need to think as players. I know from Brugge that if you’ve got a good group, you can beat so-called bigger teams with bigger names. We need to stand together and not go into games as individuals. It’s another ambition I’m about to achieve. I grew up in Belgium watching Match of the Day and ended up playing in the Premier League. Now I’m in the World Cup with Ronaldo.”
