Inter Milan loanee who idolises Obi Mikel admits he joined Sampdoria because of Andrea Pirlo

2023 Flying Eagles invitee Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has revealed the key factors behind his decision to join Sampdoria on a season-long loan from Inter Milan, with an obligation to make the move permanent.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who signed with Sampdoria to gain more playing time with experienced professionals, cited the influence of Andrea Pirlo and Sporting Director Pietro Accardi as crucial to his decision.

In his first remarks since joining the club, Akinsanmiro expressed his enthusiasm about the move. 

"I'm very happy and excited to be at Sampdoria, " explained the Nigerian midfielder to Sampdoria's YouTube page. 

"I already love the team, the staff is kind, my teammates have already shown me friendship: they've all been very welcoming. I want to work hard, do my best and help the group: this is the goal for my season."

Akinsanmiro specifically highlighted the role of Sampdoria's Sporting Director Pietro Accardi and head coach Andrea Pirlo in his decision. 

"First of all, I chose Sampdoria because it is a great club and represents a great opportunity for me. The director Accardi has shown that he really believes in me.

"And I really chose it because of the coach, Andrea Pirlo because he is a legendary coach, who played as a midfielder, so this will really help me a lot in my game. It will improve my game so this is the reason why I chose the team."

Akinsanmiro has cited former Super Eagles captain and Chelsea alum John Obi Mikel as one of his role models. 

"There are a lot of players I look up to. Mikel Obi, I really loved him when he played at Chelsea," he said.

The young midfielder joined Inter Milan from Remo Stars of the Nigeria Premier Football League after an impressive performance in an invitational tournament.

Following strong performances with the youth team, Akinsanmiro made his first-team debut on February 25, 2024, coming on as a substitute for Davide Frattesi during a 4-0 league victory over Lecce. 

Adeyemi Adewale 

Photo Credit: sampdoria.it

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