South African defender Ime Okon opened up about his new life in Germany and why it wasn't a difficult choice for him to leave Mzansi.
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9000 Kilometer entfernt von seiner Heimat Südafrika machte Ime #Okon seine ersten Schritte im deutschen Profifußball. Was ihm diese Tatsache bedeutet und wie sich die ersten Wochen für ihn anfühlten, lest Ihr hier. ⤵️#H96 #NiemalsAllein ⚫️⚪️💚https://t.co/4uNhtBxLri
The story
It's been nearly two months since 21-year-old centre-back Ime Okon made the switch from SuperSport United (now Siwelele FC) to 2. Bundesliga outfit, Hannover 96, on a free transfer.
Since putting pen to paper on a four-year deal with Hannover, Okon has wasted no time in cementing himself in the starting line-up, having played 90 minutes in all three of his appearances for the club so far.
In a lengthy feature with Hannover 96's media team, Okon opened up about settling into life in Hanover and why he was eager to pursue his dreams in Germany and leave his family and friends behind in Gauteng.
"It's a new country, a new culture, [but] I'm finding my way around more and more. I'm learning a lot from the guys, getting to know the city better and better, and enjoying living in Hanover now," shared Okon, who made his international debut for Bafana Bafana during this year's COSAFA Cup in Bloemfontein.
Okon admitted that his orientation period at the club flew by, and he was not made to feel homesick due to being warmly welcomed by his new club. "I was given a warm welcome; my teammates, coaches, and staff are always there for me. It already feels a bit like home here," added the youngster.
For many South African footballers chasing greener pastures overseas, the transition of leaving their family and friends behind can be a difficult one to navigate. For Ime, it's a challenge he relished before jetting off to northern Germany.
"This is what I always wanted. So, it wasn't a difficult decision for me to leave my family and friends and go to Europe. When the opportunity arose and 96 inquired about me, I wanted to do it. I am happy to be here," confirmed Okon.
Here's the full feature below:
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