The Black Stars could get one more addition in the near future from Italy if hard work and dreams merge in the right fashion. His name is Emmanuel Akwa-dei Agyemang and currently plays for Italian youth team Novara AC.
In this interview with Goal, the 16-year-old striker discusses his background, ambitions, cites his uncle Tony Yeboah several times and claims his destiny lies with Ghana national teams – junior and senior - despites owning a ‘prestigious’ Italian passport.
Kindly tell us about your back ground
I am Emmanuel Akwa-dei Agyemang, born in Ghana and at the age of eight moved to Italy with my mother to join my father who was already based there. My dad is called Thomas Akwa-Dei, while my mother is Sarah Yeboah.
How did you begin your football career?
I played street soccer like every other kid of my age then in Kumasi where I was born
Tell us about your football career in Italy
I have played for several youth teams in Italy such as Oleggio Calcio in 2007, AC Legnano in 2008, Oleggio AC in 2009, AC Milan in 2010 and Novara AC till date. My greatest highlight is helping my team win the Italian Football Federation youth championship in 2015, with me scoring a goal.
In the beginning, did your parents support your dreams of playing football?
Of course they did. I remember how my father would drive me to and from training with AC Milan while I was 12, until I moved to Novara in 2012 because of the proximity to my house and school.
What are your plans for international football?
I would like to play for Ghana, my country of origin and birth, even though I have Italian nationality and qualified to play for Italy. I’d choose Ghana also because of the influence of my uncle Tony Yeboah, who is also my idol. My target at the moment is to be invited to the Ghana U20 national team. Uncle Yeboah has been a great influence and inspiration to me and I’d love to emulate him. I also admire Andrew Ayew.
How do you relate with other Ghanaian footballers in Italy?
I have met lots of them here and I would say my relationship with them is cordial. Ghanaians are friendly and fun to be with.
What would you say is the secret to being a great footballer?
To be a great footballer, one has to be disciplined, hardworking and ready to learn, always!
What is your target for the next five year?
First, I want to have the opportunity to represent my country Ghana at the under 20 level and I will grab the opportunity if am called up and also consolidate my career in Italy and hopefully play in England one day like my uncle Tony Yeboah and become a Black Stars legend.
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