Udogie: ‘Difficult’ Tottenham campaign for one reason | OneFootball

Italy international Destiny Udogie feels injuries affected his development at Tottenham this season, but now hopes to win the Europa League for Spurs: ‘It would mean a lot.’

Udogie and Guglielmo Vicario’s Tottenham have reached the Europa League Final, which they will play against domestic rivals Manchester United in Bilbao tonight.

“It could be my first trophy. It would mean a lot,” Udogie told Gazzetta.

“It would be something really important, especially considering the difficult season we’ve had. It would be fantastic.

“We all want to win. It’s been a long time since the club lifted a trophy; it’s become our goal for this year.

“It’s been a tough season because of all the injuries we’ve had. They played a big part in what happened to us. But in Europe, the team managed to stay united and perform at the highest levels.”

Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford and Destiny Udogie of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the English Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford in London, Britain, 21 September 2024. EPA-EFE/VINCE MIGNOTT

The Italian left-back, a former Udinese defender, has had injury issues himself this term.

“It was difficult because of all my injuries and the constant effort to get back to full fitness,” he admitted.

“I’m trying to finish the season in the best possible way to help the team.”

Meeting the Red Devils, whom Tottenham have already beaten three times this season, will not diminish the special atmosphere the players will experience tonight.

“It’s a great thing, both teams have had a great run in Europe. We would not deserve to win,” Udogie insisted.

When asked whether he’d make some special gifts if Spurs win the trophy, Udogie replied: “No, but if I win, someone has to do it for me.”

Who, exactly?

“A close friend or maybe two…”

Udogie, 22, has only provided one assist in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, spending over 2.600 minutes on the pitch.

The Italian defender’s contract with Tottenham runs out in June 2030.

Udogie made his senior Italy debut in 2023 and has collected 11 appearances with the Azzurri.