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Christian Obodo: Super eagle
If there is one player who best symbolizes the new Fiorentina it is Christian Obodo, says John Pitonzo
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The 20-year-old Nigerian is technically sound, physically powerful, and deceptively quick. He’s an unselfish team player and a fast learner. He’s a dapper dresser and wears a perpetual smile, all of which endears him to the Viola family.
Obodo, who spent his first two years in Italia at Perugia under the tutelage of Serse Cosmi, embodies the philosophy of Fiorentina with his dedication to hard work, his patience, and his faith, the three elements that the Della Valle brothers have laid as the foundation of football success here in the Renaissance City.
In less than half a season, Obodo has won a massive Florentine following, not easy for new players in this town, as supporters are hungry for immediate results. He has a great field vision, is able to escape traffic where others get jammed, and can speedily push the ball to his waiting strikers. He isn’t afraid to mix with the locals at bar Marisa across the road from Stadio Artemio Franchi, taking time out before jumping on the bus to Parma for a snack and a word with a few old timers who have been regulars at the stadium and bar now for untold seasons. Obodo is a humble young man, outgoing, easy to speak to, and, more than anything else, sure of not only where he is going, but how he is going to get there.
His love for the game of football, something he describes as “a game of joy,” and his deep faith in God, have helped him arrive here today. Where he once dreamed of playing in Europe, he now dreams of winning a major competition with his national team. Fiorentina Coach, Sergio Buso, is aware of the young Nigerian’s talents and is keen to help him develop. “Obodo is happiness and energy, a sunny personality, and an excellent player who creates a numeric superiority in the midfield,” proclaimed Buso and as I too discovered.
When you were younger did you imagine you would one day be playing in one of the greatest Leagues in the world?
Yes. When I was playing in my country I was playing for a good team and my prayer was to work hard for my future, to get to the top, so I am very happy to be here today playing in Italy.
You prayed?
Oh yes, I pray a lot, because I am a Christian. I have faith. I always pray to God to make me better.
You’ve been listed among the football world’s top 40 youngsters with players like Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Valeri Bojinov and Obafemi Martins. Is there anything left to learn and what effect does this have on you in terms of your future plans?
I still have to work hard because the sky is my limit. If you remember players like Roberto Baggio and Paolo Maldini, you realise that they lasted a long time. If I want to have a lengthy career like them, 15 or 20 years, then I have to work hard now to get to that place. Now age is on my side.
What’s the difference in the atmosphere between playing for Perugia, a team that was fighting to stay afloat in Serie A, and a team with great ambition such as Fiorentina?
It’s a completely different ballgame. The team fighting for relegation has everything to lose.
Do you feel a greater pressure here?
The supporters love me, so that gives me more courage.
You never seem to run out of gas. At the 90-minute mark you’re still going.
That’s right. Age is on my side. I may still have a lot to learn but I still have the stamina of a young man.
What is the mood of the team at this time?
We lost away to Atalanta in Week 17 and a few days later to Lazio. So morale is not too high at the moment, but football goes on. Everybody wants to win. It’s a pity because we played better than Lazio, but that is the nature of the game. The best team doesn’t always win.
Although it isn’t your primary assignment, will you start scoring more goals?
That is my target now. God will give me the advantage to achieve that.
How is your rapport with other midfielders such as Enzo Maresca and Angelo Di Livio?
We have a good relationship, we have good players and good people. We all get on fine. Maresca is an excellent player, while Di Livio is the true leader of this Fiorentina team.
Do you feel fortunate to have begun your career in Serie A with a smaller side, rather than with one of the big clubs, as Sunday Oliseh did?
Perugia is a big team. They were in Serie A for a number of years. We just had a difficult season last year and were unfortunate to get relegated.
What is your plan for the future? Would you like to stay here?
My intention is for me to stay, but you never know what God has in store. Florence is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. It’s fantastic, full of good people and I have made a lot of friends here.
Which of your Coaches has left the greatest impression on you?
Serse Cosmi. He gave me a lot of things. He made me understand the game not only in Italy, but also in Europe. He taught me a lot of things, both as a Coach and a father. Above all he was very patient.
How long and what will it take for Fiorentina to get back into European competition?
If we work hard I think we can end up on the European scene this time around.
You are always smiling out there?
In the game of soccer you have to enjoy yourself because at the end of the day football is a game of joy. If I’m smiling I’m not losing my head.
Who were your childhood idols?
When I was in Nigeria watching European football I loved players like Clarence Seedorf.
Is it difficult being away from your family?
It is very difficult, but as an international player I understand that this is my work and I have to make sacrifices to play the sport I love.
What do you miss about Nigeria?
I miss a lot of things. My friends, the food of course, the way of life, the good weather. Here, especially in the winter, it can get very cold.
Who have been your greatest opponents?
Clarence Seedorf, Emerson, Gennaro Gattuso, Emre Belozoglu.
How do you have fun off the field?
I like listening to music, hip-hop mainly, and watching movies.
What message do you have for young Nigerian boys who idolise you?
I have a lot of messages for a lot of people. But above all I believe that if you truly want to be the very best then you have to work hard and have the patience. You have to concentrate and have the faith to get you to where you want to be.
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| Interviewed: February 2005 |
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