The former Roma striker has suggested it is
harder for black players to gain recognition on the
international stage following his Italy debut this
September.
Sampdoria's Stefano Okaka has revealed his
opinion that he might have made his debut for
Italy sooner, were he not black.
The 25-year-old has scored just two goals in 12
Serie A appearances for high-flying Sampdoria so
far this season, but was called into the Azzurri
fold for the first time by Antonio Conte for the
internationals in September.
It was a dream debut for the striker as he came
on from the bench to score the winning goal in
the 1-0 friendly against Albania, but he feels his
skin colour could be a reason for his delayed
progress to the international scene.
"If I was white, I would be considered more of
what they are: a black always has to give
something more," Okaka said in an interview with
La Gazzetta.
"I feel totally Italian. When in May and 20 days
ago they called me to offer me to play for
Nigeria, I said no because I did not feel 'natural',
such as what happened when Conte called me for
Italy.
"Butmy past in the youth levels is there, and
today I am like a tree that does not know its
roots."
The former Roma and Parma man went on to talk
about his aggresive on-field mentality, which he
believes to be one of his most positive attributes.
"I am Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Okaka, and my mum said
to me as a kid: 'Stefano, you transform on the
pitch'," he added.
"It is true, I become the exact opposite. Out with
the good-nature, in there I am a beast that does
not look at anybody. I think it's my strength.
"For 90 minutes I hate all of those who play
against me."
Fourth-placed Sampdoria could rise above Napoli
and into the Champions League qualification
places with a win when the pair face off on
Monday.
www.goal.com/en/news/10/italy/2014/11/29/6609981/okaka-black-players-always-have-to-give-more

hmmmm. dude really thinks he's white. The irony!