Obodo extends Udinese stay
Nigeria midfielder Christian Obodo has committed his future to Italian club Udinese by signing a new contract.
The 23-year-old signed a five-year-deal to keep him playing at the Serie A-side until 2012.
Obodo, who was rumoured to be a target of Italian-side Lazio says he opted to stay because he liked the family atmosphere at the club.
"I am happy (after negotiations) that we could come to an agreement," Obodo told SSB.
"There is a family atmosphere here and when the opportunity to extend came up I did not hesitate. "I know I can help Udinese achieve great things for the future."
Obodo has been out action for eight months due to injury but made his return in a 0-0 draw in the Coppa Italia against Palermo.
The former Fiorentina star suffered cruciate ligament damage while training with his club in April and confesses that he has missed football.
"It feels good to be back and playing again for the team, I went through a lot emotionally while I was injured.
"But now is the time to look on the bright side of life, the team has been doing very well in my absence but I have to do my best to help us get to greater heights."
Obodo who has not played for Nigeria since February 2006 has been placed on standby in Nigeria's provisional squad for the 2006 African Nations Cup in Ghana.
But he says his immediate target is to return to full match fitness with his Italian club.
"I spoke with the coach , I told him that it is better to give a chance to those who are fit and can provide more guarantees.
"I need to work and do well here in Udine first, then we'll see about the future."
