Festy Ebosele: Republic of Ireland defender on Wayne Rooney, adapting, and life in Italy
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Wayne Rooney didn't agree with Festy Ebosele's decision to move to Italy when his Derby County contract expired
Given Wayne Rooney's standing in football, it takes a strong character to go against his opinion.
Yet, that's exactly what Festy Ebosele did when at Derby County in 2022, and he hasn't looked back since.
With the then-Championship club were placed under EFL restrictions after being taken into administration, the Republic of Ireland full-back was set to move elsewhere once his contract expired.
Manager Rooney, who said Ebosele could be a "superstar", thought staying in England would be the best option, but it was a move to Italy and Udinese that appealed the most.
And the switch has paid off. After a year of learning in Serie A, the 21-year-old has featured in all of Udinese's games this season and made his Republic of Ireland debut in September - against World Cup finalists France, no less.
"I did speak with [Rooney]. He just said to consider all my options," Ebosele recalled. "I did and I still feel that Udinese was the best one for me."
And has Rooney been in touch since his move?
"No," Ebsoele said before a laugh.
'I've come a long way'
Of course, a highly-rated young player taking a leap into a league and country he doesn't know is a gamble. Would he encourage others to do the same?
"If you're not afraid to take a risk then yeah, definitely," said Ebosele, who made his debut for the club at San Siro against AC Milan.
"You will definitely improve in the long run. It's difficult at the start but once you get used to it then it is very enjoyable.
"I definitely think I've come a long way. I've been getting used to the style of play in Italy. I've had to adapt and add some new aspects to the game.
"I feel like I have done that in the year and a half I've been there now. It's working out very well for me."
Ebosele admitted the difference in physicality and greater attention on tactical play have been the biggest differences on the pitch. Off it, embedding himself in the language and culture have been key.
"English football in the Championship maybe suited me a bit more - it's a bit more physical," he said. "[My physicality] was a disadvantage at the start in Udinese because I was flying into tackles. I had to calm down a bit but now I can use it well.
"I learned the Italian style and I really do enjoy it - it's definitely helped my football.
"It's more tactical and you have to be more concentrated in the game. Tackling wise, positioning - they are the main differences.
"It took me a good few months to actually understand the difference. Once I adapted to it, at the end of the season last year I was able to get more playing time. I was doing well and this season, I've had a full year to know the style of play that they need."
Festy Ebosele, pictured here with AC Milan's Rafael Leao, has been ever-present for Udinese this season
Ebosele is preparing for the Republic of Ireland's final Euro 2024 qualifier in the Netherlands. The game in Amsterdam will bring an end to a disappointing campaign in which Stephen Kenny's side have won just two of their seven qualifiers - both against minnows Gibraltar.
The youngster was handed his debut in the closing stages of the Republic's defeat in France and won his second cap as a substitute in the reverse fixture with the Netherlands.
He admits he wishes he "could have played longer" against France, but adds that making his debut at the Parc des Princes "was a very good moment".
"I'm grateful for any game time that I get. I love all the players and I love all the coaching staff," Ebsoele said, adding that the soon to be retired James McClean was his favourite Irish player growing up.
"I'm looking forward to it and I'm ready. Hopefully I can make a name for myself here.
"I'm still 21 so can't get too ahead of myself. I've hopefully still got a long career ahead of me. I'm taking everything as it comes. I'm still happy with what I've done but I feel like I can do more. I'm very much looking forward to trying to stay on track."