Former Liverpool winger Bobby Adekanye has spoken of his happiness after making his professional debut for Lazio in a Europa League fixture against CFR Cluj on Thursday evening.

The Nigerian-born starlet came off the bench in the 80th minute as a replacement for Bastos with the scoreboard reading 2-1 in favour of the Romanian team. 

Speaking to Studio Alphen, an elated Adekanye said : ''I can't describe that feeling. I had to wait a long time and worked hard for it. But I am very happy that Lazio has rewarded me.

''Whether I was nervous? Not at all. I am a boy who has self-confidence. The atmosphere was very beautiful''.

Adekanye admitted that he has not yet overcome the language barrier but hopes to get more minutes in subsequent matches.

''I had to get used to how they play here. I don't really understand Italian yet, but I do speak Spanish and I learn the football language.

''I enjoy every moment and want to show myself more. You can certainly say that I live my dream, but I am far from where I want to be. I want to achieve much more,'' the Lazio number 34 added.

Born in Ibadan, Adekanye opted to end his association with Liverpool in the summer because he was not guaranteed first-team opportunities.

Igho Kingsley