Olanrewaju Kayode has told SCORENigeria his target is to stage a return to La Liga after his first spell in Spain did not really go according to the script.
The Gaziantep FK of Turkey forward also spoke on the influence of his darling wife, the highlights and tough times in his career.
The full interview –
SCORENIGERIA: Kayode, please we know where hail from?
KAYODE: I was born and brought up in Ibadan, but from Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
Tell us how your career started.
It started on the streets as I was playing for boys club. I was selected to represent Oyo State in a national competition organized by NFF and that was it.
What do you consider the biggest breakthrough of your career?
I will say when I played at Maccabi Netanya in Israel. It was not easy though I got lots of support and encouragement from my wife I worked very hard to score lots of goals. It was in the second division and we got promoted to the first division.
How easy was it for you to leave Maccabi Netanya and join Austria Wien after you became hero at the clubs?
It was not easy, it was a very tough decision to leave Netanya but I was also looking forward to a bigger challenge, my wife was there and the decision was made to join Austria Wien.
Benedict Akwuegbu made a name in Austria, what memories of him did they have when you got there?
He is one of the best players in Austrian league history. They still talk about his achievements. I am glad I made great impact in Austria and also left the country with some good memories.
What was the highlight of your time at Maccabi Netanya?
When I scored a brace against Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Be’er Sheva,
You commanded great respect from fans in Israel and Austria. How do you feel when they shout your name, hold placards in your praise?
It is a big thing for me. Fans have been supportive at any club I played even now in Turkey. Hearing them chanting my name gives me joy, motivates me more and boost my confidence. I always try to reward their loyalty with goals.
Could you compare the various leagues you have played in?
They are different. The levels are different, I think Spain is the highest of the leagues I have featured in till date.
How did you feel playing at two U20 World Cups?
I was happy. It was a great honour for me. It is not every player who gets such an opportunity.
You joined Manchester City before you went on loan, how was the feeling like?
It was a great honour for me. I was the highest goal scorer in Austria, I wanted a new challenge even after the new season had already commenced. My wife did a lot to make it happen.
You are doing well in Turkey, has there been talks about you staying after the loan deal?
Not yet. I have to go back to Shakhar Donetsk after my loan. My agent will have talk with the club and we will see what next.
There was a time you were out not playing, how did you cope?
Nothing much but was getting myself fit ahead of the next opportunity
Who is your role model?
That will be Cristiano Ronaldo
What would you have done if you were not a footballer?
I don’t really know. May be musician or dancer because I love dancing.
How much an influence has your wife been in your career?
She has been doing a lot for my career. She is a lover of football and has great understanding of the game. She is my backbone, she took care of anything that appear as problem in my career. Mine is just to play the game.
How was it when she said yes she will be your wife?
Great moment. It was not easy as she did not accept me easily. I kept mounting pressure on her until I got a yes. I was on cloud nine and so excited she said yes.
You have won four caps for the Super Eagles. Do you hope for more caps?
It was great to get those four games. I hope for more.
What is your latest target now?
I would love to play in La Liga again.
Thank you.
You’re welcome.
