I Want To Play For AC Milan Someday

Fatai Odutola is a midfielder of Handsworth Football Club.Odutola, who played the last Federation Cup, speaks about his experience in football and reasons he wants to play for AC Milan someday with Grssroots Soccer Guide

Where did you start your football career?

I started with Rojynee Academy in 2004. I later played for Gatehead FC before I finally joined Handsworth FC in 2009.

You have played for three clubs since your debut, why are you moving from one club to another?

I don’t like to stay in a club for so long, I always want new challenges. I like club where I would have tough challenges.

Tell us your experience in Handsworth ?

Handsworth is one of the best grassroots clubs in Nigeria. For the first time, I was a member of the team that won Ogun State Challenge Cup early this year. For the first time, I played National Challenge Cup where Handsworth crashed out in the Round of 32. So, it was sweet experience for me playing at Handsworth FC .

Which match gave you a tough time either at the state or national Challenge Cup?

The toughest match in my football career was when I played against Lobi Stars of Markurdi in the Round of 64 at the National Challenge Cup known today as Federation Cup. Although we caused an upset by defeating Lobi 1-0 the Lobi team outplayed us after we scored them in early second half. I did not give my best in the encounter because Lobi star players were more fit, agile, aggressive and skilful than I was.

What about your saddest day in your football career?

It was a day we lost 4-5 on penalty shootout to Dekina Dragon of Kogi State in the Round of 32 of Federation Cup. We were the first to scored but they equalised us in the last minute of the second half. We should have won the match but due to our carelessness we lost the match at Abuja parade ground. After the match, I was sad and in tears.

From the experience you garnered at the Federation Cup, are you ready to play in Nigerian League?

I don’t want to play in the league because it is not attractive. My target is to play for AC Milan in Seria A someday. I like AC Milan because of their style of play.

Are you an AC Milan fan?

Of course. AC Milan is my best club in Europe and I am working hard to play for the Seria A club when I start my professional club in Europe.

—Sunday Akintoye