Okaka reveals he spurned China to aim for Tottenham or an Anderlecht comeback

Stefano Okaka, the 37‑year‑old Italian forward, says he turned down a move to China because his ambition remains to join Tottenham or return to Anderlecht in Belgium. The former Lotto Park favourite is currently without a club but insists he can still train and find a team before 15 October.

Anderlecht memories and 2015‑16 season

Okaka spent only 13 months at RSC Anderlecht, yet he struck 17 goals in that spell and helped the club finish second in the 2015‑16 Jupiler Pro League, behind Club Brugge. Louis Janssen summed it up: "Okaka left good memories at Anderlecht." The fans still recall his impact at the Lotto Park stadium.

Mais the club remembers his youthful enthusiasm; he arrived at 24‑25 years old, lived in Brussels and fell in love with Belgium. He describes Anderlecht as a "very big club" where he "had a lot of fun" and mentions the camaraderie with teammates such as Dodi Lukebakio and Mile Svilar, whom he saw a few months ago.

International career and recent clubs

Okaka earned five caps for the Squadra Azzurri, featuring under Antonio Conte when the Italian side played in the Jupiler Pro League. He also represented Italy against the Diables, the Belgian national team, during his time in Belgium.

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After leaving Anderlecht he moved to Watford, then returned to Italy with a stint at Ravenna in Serie C – the same club where Ronaldinho briefly played. Following his departure from Ravenna, the 37‑year‑old is now a free agent, having previously featured for Roma, Bari, Parma, Sampdoria, Udinese, Fulham and Watford.

Future plans and off‑field project

Okaka says he still trains daily and even does boxing to keep fit, although he does not consider it a new passion. "I want to do another year," he told reporters, adding that he can still secure a contract before 15 October but has not received any offers from Belgian clubs.

Beyond football, he has launched a project called "Tutti in Gioco" – an initiative aimed at inclusion, education and the fight against racism in sport. He admits he has no clear idea what he will do after hanging up his boots, saying, "Football is my life, but I do not know yet if I will stay in the sport after retirement."