In an event held at the Cádiz CF training ground, new signing Bobby Adekanye was unveiled by Los Amarillos’ sporting director, Óscar Arias, on Friday. The forward, who has arrived at the Ramón Carranza on loan from Lazio, spoke his first words as a Cádiz player.
“Cádiz’s playing style was a real factor in persuading me to join,” Adekanye said. “I really identify with it and I think this is a place where I can perform to my best. I’ve come to this fantastic club to show the quality I’ve got, help the team and hopefully have a really good season.”
The 21-year-old added that he’s eager to keep on learning. “I like playing on the right wing, but I can also operate on the left,” he said. “What’s most important is that wherever the gaffer tells me to play, I’ll be ready. I’m young and I have so much more to learn, and I believe I can learn a lot here at Cádiz. I can’t wait to get playing and to show what I can do.”
Adekanye continued: “I’ve met the coach [Álvaro Cervera] and the rest of the lads. The boss has told me that I’ve got to work hard and look to help the team. I’m ready to help the team in any way possible and I can’t wait to start playing.”
He says his career path so far has helped him to grow as a player. “I’ve been through good youth systems at Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, PSV… I didn’t make it at those clubs because I was very young,” he said. “I left the Netherlands at 12 and have tried out new experiences. I know that my experiences at the clubs I’ve been at have helped me to grow and get to where I am now. I feel good; I’m the player I am now because of those experiences.”
The most important thing is togetherness, Adekanye says: “You have to play as a team. Cádiz attack together and defend together. We may not be Real Madrid or Barcelona, but I like the fact that if we all play our part we can achieve big things. From the games I’ve seen this season, it’s clear that the team is doing well and hopefully we can keep that up.”
Asked when Cádiz first showed an interest in signing him, he revealed: “I found out halfway through the transfer window. I always have complete respect for the club I’m at. I was focused on Lazio, but when I learned that Cádiz were really interested in me I started to look at videos on YouTube and watched games, including the one at Athletic Bilbao, and I knew this was a club where I could fit in well. I feel I’ve made the right move; I’m very happy and I’m champing at the bit.”
There’s a family atmosphere at the club, Adekanye says: “What’s struck me most is just how friendly everyone is. Be they fellow squad members or off-the-field staff, everyone is really cheerful and I really like that. If you have that every day, that energy is transferred onto the pitch. I know I’m going to fit in really well - I feel like I already am. I can’t wait to get playing.”
He has also been given a warm welcome by fans on social media. “I’ve been made to feel right at home,” he explained. “I know it’s early days, but I say that sincerely. I like to have a close relationship with the fans. I’ve seen on Instagram that the supporters are raring to see me play. Many don’t know much about me, but I’m going to do everything I can to ensure we enjoy plenty of great times this season.”
