Nigerian footballer Sam Omorodion has revealed the emotional toll of his time at Atlético Madrid before his eventual transfer to FC Porto.
In an interview with Marca, the young forward recounted how his situation at the Spanish club pushed him to his limits, sharing the struggles he and his family endured during the difficult period.
“At Atlético Madrid, I spent many nights crying… my family and my mother also struggled,” Omorodion admitted.
“I was training separately. I didn’t feel like a part of the team, not like a footballer. I was training, and my mind was telling me otherwise. It was tough, really difficult.”
Omorodion, who was once on the verge of a move to Chelsea, explained that he was left in the dark during his time at Atlético.
“No one spoke to me to explain why, and I didn’t speak to anyone… as I already knew Atlético Madrid’s stance,” he said, highlighting the isolation he felt at the club.
Despite his dream of playing for Los Colchoneros, the move did not materialize as hoped.
“I wanted to play at Atléti, it was a dream… but they didn’t want me, and then Porto decided to trust me,” Omorodion revealed.
He expressed gratitude for FC Porto’s faith in him, especially to the club president, stating, “I have to say thanks to Porto and the president, as their total trust has made the difference, I’m happy.”
The 20-year-old forward has made a strong start to life at FC Porto, scoring an impressive seven goals in seven games, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His journey from heartbreak at Atlético to flourishing in Portugal shows the resilience that has shaped his young career.
As Omorodion continues to shine, it’s clear that Porto’s trust in him has paid off in more ways than one.