Lewis Ferguson hopes his move to Bologna can help take him to the same level as Scotland’s top stars Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney and John McGinn.
The midfielder quit Aberdeen for Serie A in the summer and was officially unveiled by his new club today. Ferguson already has four Scotland caps but believes his move to one of Europe’s top leagues can help him progress his career and get to the levels of the English Premier League trio.
Ferguson said: “Over the past five years or so the national team has grown and become a strong team. “There is loads of talent with players playing in top leagues from the Premiership to Serie A and beyond. Players like Tierney, Robertson and McGinn who are top level players in the national team and I hope by making this move to Bologna I can develop into a top player alongside these guys.”
Aaron Hickey made the move from Hearts and grabbed headlines at Bologna before he won his big-money move to Brentford this summer. Ferguson spoke to him before he made the move to the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium. A lot of his new teammates can also speak English and have also helped him to settle.
Ferguson confirmed: “The guys have been really welcoming. Most speak English and they have made it easy to fit in. I have also spoken to Aaron before coming here.
"He was really positive about the city, the people and the football club. He made it clear that it was the right move for me. I have watched a lot of Italian football. I watched the highlights of Bologna because Aaron Hickey was here and I liked to see how he was doing.
“I love watching the Italian national team because they are really passionate. I enjoy watching it on the television when I am back home. “The Italians are really passionate about their football and it is something I like.”
The 22-year-old will eventually be joined in Bologna by his girlfriend. He admitted his immediate tasks are to settle on and off the park and then to start making the same contribution as he did at Aberdeen - regularly getting goals from the middle of the park.
Ferguson, who was quizzed about his dad, Derek, and uncle, Barry, by the Italian media, explained: “I’ve only had two or three days to see the place. It looks like a beautiful city and a nice place to live.
“My targets for this year are to settle in. It might take some time but I want to settle into the city and the team and play as many games as possible and to try and develop as much as possible. If I am playing hopefully I can score a few goals and help the team out.”
The former Hamilton star has made a real stride in recent seasons but knows there is scope for even more improvement and he is looking for that to happen in Italy. Ferguson, speaking to the Bologna FC official channel, added: “There are a lot of things I need to improve on.
“Nobody is perfect. I would like to be more mobile, stronger and better in all aspects. I believe this is the right place and right staff to help me develop to become a better player.”
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