The striker returned to scoring with Ravenna in Serie C 962 days after his last goal: “Soccer is my life, I wanted to give my parents a better future. I was supposed to sign for Milan twice, but then…“
Stefano Okaka celebrated a goal again 962 days after his last one. With a header in the 97th minute, deep into stoppage time, he gave Ravenna the win in their away game against Pianese: ”Scoring like that makes it even better. I hugged my teammates and we celebrated in front of the away fans. As I ran, I thought back on the two-year break and the love of my family. It’s thanks to them that I started playing again.“ The former Roma striker chose to start over in Serie C, putting himself back in the game by accepting the challenge of the Romagna club, which had just returned to the professional ranks: ” I left Basaksehir in the summer of 2023. During this long period away from the pitch, I never thought about quitting. I’m 36 now, my career started very early: I was already in Serie A at 16. I felt the need to make up for lost time with my parents, my brother Carlo, and my sister Stefania. But football is like love, it always finds a way back.”
From Serie A to the Premier League, via the Champions League and Europa League. He has played everywhere, but this is his first time in Serie C.
“In the summer, I was abroad, continuing to train. My brother Carlo called me and told me about the Ravenna project. I met with President Cipriani and sporting director Davide Mandorlini, and together we decided to start preparing to try to get back into the game. I’d say it went well. Now, as newly promoted, we are third in Group B, one point behind Arezzo at the top.“ Did you miss soccer? ”It’s been my life since I was born. Over the last two years, I’ve kept fit and watched games on TV. Enjoying moments with the people I love helped me recharge my batteries so I could return to work with passion and consistency.“
Your last goal came in March 2023. Two and a half years later, you’ve broken your duck. Do you have a special dedication for the goal?
”To my nephew Thiago and the rest of my family. They mean everything to me.“
His mother Doris and father Austin have always been by his side, ever since his days at Roma.
”I dreamed of becoming a footballer, but my goal was to give my parents a better future. They worked three jobs to support us children. I arrived at Roma when I was 14, I was very young. I have to thank President Franco Sensi, who welcomed me to Trigoria and gave me the opportunity to live at the training center with them.“
However, his career could have started at Milan.
”I was signing for the Rossoneri, then Bruno Conti took me and my father to Trigoria. I was impressed by the training center, so I chose the Giallorossi.”
The first person to put his faith in you was Luciano Spalletti.
“He’s like a second father to me. In 2005, when I was 16, he wanted me in the first team and I immediately scored in the Coppa Italia against Napoli. That’s where it all started.”
You talked about when the coach scolded you for showing up in an expensive car when you were just 18. It wasn’t the only scolding…
“In 2007, I wasn’t playing much, and Spalletti sent me onto the field in the final minutes against Atalanta. I was anything but inspired. When I first glanced at the bench, he said, ‘See you later.’ He had noticed. At the end of the game, I ran to the locker room, and he followed me. The anti-doping test saved me: I stayed locked in that room for over three hours so I wouldn’t get caught. How did it end? The next day I got a fine. Better that than another telling-off from the coach.”
He arrived in a group of champions: from Totti to De Rossi, Panucci, Perrotta, Chivu and many others.
“I was fond of Francesco and Daniele. I grew up in Trigoria, Roma has always been my family. My experience with the Giallorossi will remain a fundamental part of my life. We talk often, our relationship goes beyond friendship. It’s almost like a brotherly bond.”
Another former teammate with whom he has remained very close is Antonio Cassano.
“He texted me right after the goal to congratulate me. He was there for me during a difficult period in my career, when I had a falling out with Parma because they wanted to sell me. Thanks to Antonio, I went back to training with the team and giving 100%.”
The goals as a youngster, the fame, the fans’ expectations. How did you experience those years?
“It wasn’t easy to handle the pressure. You always have to prove that you’re more mature than your age, even if you’re just an adult. I was the talented kid who lived in Trigoria with his parents, and everyone was talking about me. Even today, at Roma, many more experienced players struggle to get going right away.”
After loan spells at Brescia and Modena, in 2009 he moved to Fulham in the Premier League.
“I scored two goals there too, but it’s difficult to hurt English teams. Kompany is undoubtedly the strongest defender I’ve ever faced. He’s a fantastic player.“
Sampdoria and Udinese are the other two key stages of his career.
”I left my heart at Sampdoria. At Udinese, together with president Pozzo and technical director Marino, we brought back the enthusiasm among the fans. When I was at Sampdoria, I also got the call to play for the national team.”
It was Conte who wanted you in the Azzurri.
“An absolute champion of our football, he is a great coach. Working with him helped me a lot. Playing for Italy was another dream come true. It’s a shame I wasn’t called up for Euro 2016.“ Did you believe it would happen? ”Yes, I was disappointed. I thought I was on the list, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. The coach made other choices.“
During the same period, you also came close to signing with Milan (again) and Inter.
”In 2015, I had already closed the deal with the Rossoneri, then Mancini’s Inter got involved in the negotiations. President Ferrero blocked the deal and prevented me from moving to the Nerazzurri. It was a missed opportunity.“
Abroad, he found consistency with Anderlecht, Watford, and Basaksehir.
”My experiences away from Italy shaped me and made me the player I am today. Looking back now, I realize I’ve worn many important jerseys, and I’m proud of that.”
You are an atypical footballer: you don’t use social media.
“I’ve never felt the need to. I don’t criticize those who use it, but I’m fine without it.”
What makes you happiest about these twenty years in football?
“Not leaving my family behind. I bought my parents a house with my first few paychecks. My brother, sister, and I will never forget what they did for us.“
Okaka, what is your goal now?
”To continue enjoying myself on the field and scoring goals. I wouldn’t mind winning with Ravenna either.”
