Young football star, Festy Ebosele who was playing with Wayne Rooney’s Derby County in the Championship, secured his move to the Serie A in Italy ahead of this season…
At the time, Festy’s move came in for some criticism, especially from his own coach and Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney.
Rooney, at the time, stated that he should stay in England:
“I think he should have stayed in England, kept learning to play the game here then he really has a chance. It is always difficult for a young player to go abroad,” Rooney said.
Last Saturday, Festy came on to make his debut for his new club against AC Milan at Italy’s most famous football ground, the San Siro.
The 20-year-old Wexford man, who played his schoolboys soccer with Moyne Rangers, came on as an 83rd-minute substitute in last Saturday’s Serie A game.
Speaking to Pundit Arena, Irish football captain Seamus Coleman said it’s great for the young Wexford man to play his football in Italy:
“My generation it just wasn’t really there. Clubs are more open to things like that now. When I was coming through, it was go to England, play in England and that’s it.
“It’s great to see. I’ve had a few conversations with Festy over the summer and he was so excited by it, he was so looking forward to it. I’m glad to see he’s played against AC Milan, I’m hoping he’ll have a good season,” he said.
As per Irish Sun journalist Neil O’Riordan on Twitter, with his introduction for Udinese against AC Milan, Festy Ebosele becomes only the fourth Irishman to play in Serie A and the first since Marco Tardelli sent on Robbie Keane for Inter against Fiorentina in December 2000.
Udinese lost the game 4-2 in the end, but it will be a night to remember for the young Wexford man who reportedly didn’t look out of place at the San Siro.
As long as he continues to play games and as long as he gets opportunities, all will be good in Festy’s eyes.
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