Ebenezer Ofori is on holiday in Ghana after a successful season with Swedish side AIK Stockholm where he was named Best Midfielder of the Allsvenskan.
The 20-year-old made 27 appearances for the capital club as they finished third on the league table.
Ofori has been linked with a January move from the Scandinavian country after his explosive form last season.
The former New Edubiase in an exclusive chat with GHANASoccernet.com reflects on his season, talks about his future and reveals his veneration for Real Madrid star Marcelo.
GSN: How good was your season?
First of all I will thank the good God for what he has done for me. This season was my best since I wen to AIK so all I will say is that it was very very good.
Did you regret AIK’s inability to win the league?
Yeh I did. Not only me even everybody in the team did. I got injured before the last two games so I didn’t play. I was very regretful but it’s football and sometimes it happens.
You are coming back home as the best midfielder in the Swedish league. First, were you expecting that award?
Not exactly but for me as I always said, I went there to learn and this award was more like the result for the learning process so it was very good coming from Ghana to Sweden and won the best midfielder of the season was very grateful.
I can say yes because the Swedish Allsvenskan is popular and we used to play Champions League and the Europa League so I think yes I can compete with the players in the various big leagues.
How have you improved as player since moving to Sweden in 2013 after playing at the African U20 Championship in Sweden?
Yes I have improved a lot because the system in Sweden is different and so you have to adjust. We footballers if you love the football, then you are capable to play any position and for me since I started playing football, I have been playing several positions but I loved to be a midfielder and the coach saw that in me, trusted me and gave me the support so I always gave my best.
With what you did last season, would you say you are now mature to play for the Black Stars?
Of course I’m ready. Ghana is my country and I will be happy and glad to play and I will be very happy if I get the chance to show my stuff.
There are a lot of Ghanaian players in Sweden. How are you guys helping each other?
I will like to say thanks to Chibsah (Yusif) because he created a Group on Whatsapp for Ghanaian players in Sweden so we use to share ideas and he would advice us. It was very wonderful of him.
I was told it was cold before I got in. As a footballer, you are in to do the job. You love it that’s why you are there and you have to cope with it. I met Moro Ibrahim, Kwame Karikari and some African player who helped me out and they motivated me. They used to tell me that: You have come so you don’t have to go back. I listened to them and it has helped me a lot. Now I’m used to the weather now.
Do you think Sweden should be the preferred destination for Ghanaian players to hone their talents when they decide to go abroad?
For me I would say yes because if you can play the Swedish league, you can play everywhere because it’s tough, it’s harsh-it’s everything and if you are going there as a stepping stone, I think it is a very good idea.
You were linked with a lot of big European clubs in the summer. How did you remain focused and not get distracted?
For me I don’t talk much and so I left everything to my agent because if I added that to my career it was going to affect me.
Are AIK prepared to release you in the January transfer window?
Now I don’t know. It’s between AIK and the other club because I have another two years on my contract and I have happy there so I will leave that to the clubs to decide.
I would say yes because playing for two-and-a-half seasons and becoming the best midfielder in the season, I think it is time to take the next step. To take the next adventure.
You are a shy guy. Do you think that has helped?
Sometimes yes because it keeps me indoors and it allows me to focus more on the game.
Latif Anabila who plays for your former club New Edubiase was at AIK for an observation exercise. Do you think he would make it there if signed?
Yes of course because I think he was named the Promising Player of the Ghana Premier League and he came there and did well and he will make because Ibrahim Moro has made it; I also made and I think he will make it too. He is a good guy; he takes advice so I think it will be good for him there.
What is your favourite food?
Riceballs and Palmnut soup
Who is your role model?
Marcelo of Real Madrid. I love him so much because he is more than confident on the ball and plays with no pressure. That is the only thing I learnt from him. He knows what he’s doing.
Finally, what are your future aspirations? What will give you professional satisfaction?
For me I will thank every one who has been following me. In a few years, I want to play for Real Madrid and in Spain so next year or in two years, I will be happy to play not even for Real Madrid but in Spain.