Udinese star Okoye names childhood hero: “I always supported Dida’s Milan”

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has named Nelson Dida, the former AC Milan goalkeeper, as his childhood hero. Whether he supports the Rossoneri now or not, though, is not something he disclosed. 

Dida has surely inspired many goalkeepers throughout the days, doing well for Milan at the highest level, and he continued to have a huge impact when he was a goalkeeping coach at the club. The legacy remains strong today and another example of that has emerged.

Speaking to The Italian Football Podcast, the Udinese goalkeeper Okoye was asked if he had any childhood heroes and he didn’t hesitate before naming Dida. However, he also made sure not to give too much away.

“Always Nelson Dida and never anyone else [who was my childhood idol.] I’ve never met him but I’ve had contact with him through other people, this makes me very happy.

“I grew up watching Dida, standing in goal thinking I am Dida, he has given me lots of motivation, for me he is the number 1 goalkeeper in the world.

“Maybe I need to watch what I say [laughs], but I always supported Dida’s Milan.”

Okoye was a key player for Udinese last season as they secured salvation on the final matchday. The Fruili side have certainly started this campaign well too with two wins and one draw, sitting five points ahead of Milan in the standings.