Chiedozie Ogbene grew up trying to imitate Cristiano Ronaldo and is now ready to take his direct style of football to the international stage with the Republic of Ireland.
The 24-year-old Rotherham winger idolized the then Manchester United star growing up in Cork and tried to look to a man who has since established himself as one of the greats in world football.
Ogbene is currently at the end of the season training camp in Spain with Ireland after being first appointed by manager Stephen Kenny and he enjoys the opportunity to show what he has learned on a bigger stage.
He said, “When winger and Ronaldo watched how straightforward he was and how he dribbled while at Manchester United in 2008, I tried to mimic it.” [and model] myself about Cristiano Ronaldo. He really was my idol.
A serious knee injury prevented him from playing the role he would have wanted in his club’s ultimately unsuccessful battle to remain in the Sky Bet Championship, and his senior-team selection was a big boost.
He said: “International football is something I have dreamed of and to be here with the Republic of Ireland is really a blessing.
“It’s been a tough season so it is an honor for me and my family to be here, especially with the players available to the coach and I will enjoy the occasion.”
Ogbene was seven when his family first arrived in Ireland and could have represented the country he was born in, but he’s happy to pave the way for the players who made the country their home.
He said: “I am sure there are a lot of players who grew up in Ireland and were born elsewhere who obviously struggle with their decision. I want to create a path for them to show that living there will give you these opportunities. “
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