Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has bemoaned the departure of Stefano Okaka after he left the club to sign for Belgian giants Anderlecht, saying part of his heart has broken.

The Italy international was linked with Leeds United, Stoke City and Southampton earlier this summer, but has ended up at Anderlecht as the club's replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who was sold to Newcastle United recently.




Ferrero is disappointed to have lost Okaka, but has vowed to continue to follow his career closely.

The president said via Sampdoria's site: "When a guy leaves my Samp, it leaves a bitter taste. Everyone tells me this is football, you have to live and understand the situations that are created.
 

 

"But a fan like me, full of love, it always breaks a little bit of my heart. Good luck good guy and great champion. We will always follow you with affection", Ferrero added.

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Okaka joined Sampdoria from Parma, but scored only four goals in 34 games in all competitions for the Italian club last season.

Anderlecht will be hoping Okaka can hit the ground running as they look to the 25-year-old to replace the goals lost by the sale of the prolific Mitrovic.

Okaka notably counts Roma and Fulham amongst his former clubs.