Angelo Ogbonna says his first season in England could hardly have gone better – even if he was left to reflect on a frustrating final day defeat at Stoke City on Sunday.
The 27-year-old defender was a summer 2015 arrival from Juventus and established himself as a regular starter for Slaven Bilic’s side – playing in 27 Barclays Premier League games.
He scored a dramatic winner in the FA Cup tie with Liverpool and is targeting more success – and hopefully European football – in 2016/17.
He said: “Sunday’s result was really disappointing for us, but it was still a fantastic season. We will have to focus on the new season now, and we have to start really well – like we did this season.
“We deserved to win the game against Stoke, but the season is finished and we will look forward to next year and enjoy it.
“First we will be concentrating on the television on Saturday, so hopefully we can be lucky and go to Europe!
“I’m really happy with my first season in England. I’m really happy because I scored against Liverpool and that was an amazing moment for us.
“We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better!"
Ogbonna’s season isn’t over yet – he has linked up with Italy for a training camp ahead of Euro 2016 and is hoping to make the final cut.
He added: “I’m still hoping [to be called up]. Maybe I will have a chance to go to the Euros, but it doesn’t depend on me – it’s the manager’s decision.”
The 27-year-old defender was a summer 2015 arrival from Juventus and established himself as a regular starter for Slaven Bilic’s side – playing in 27 Barclays Premier League games.
He scored a dramatic winner in the FA Cup tie with Liverpool and is targeting more success – and hopefully European football – in 2016/17.
He said: “Sunday’s result was really disappointing for us, but it was still a fantastic season. We will have to focus on the new season now, and we have to start really well – like we did this season.
“We deserved to win the game against Stoke, but the season is finished and we will look forward to next year and enjoy it.
“First we will be concentrating on the television on Saturday, so hopefully we can be lucky and go to Europe!
“I’m really happy with my first season in England. I’m really happy because I scored against Liverpool and that was an amazing moment for us.
“We have to be proud about this season and maybe next season we can do better!"
Ogbonna’s season isn’t over yet – he has linked up with Italy for a training camp ahead of Euro 2016 and is hoping to make the final cut.
He added: “I’m still hoping [to be called up]. Maybe I will have a chance to go to the Euros, but it doesn’t depend on me – it’s the manager’s decision.”