Former Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson lifts the lid on the highs and lows of new life in Serie A

Lewis Ferguson had always wanted to broaden his horizons, and leave Scottish football to try something different.

So when the opportunity presented itself to move on from Aberdeen to Bologna, he was right up for it.

When the interest from the Serie A side was firmed up, Ferguson spoke to his family, friends and Aaron Hickey, who had made the switch from Hearts to Italy.

His performances there earned him a reported £14-million move to English Premier League outfit, Brentford on a four-year contract.

After those conversations, the 23-year-old knew he wanted to go abroad.

The Dons received a £3m fee, and the highly-talented player has embraced the new culture, on and off the park, since his summer switch.

He has also coped well with the departure of the manager who signed him, Sinisa Mihajlovic, who has been replaced by Thiago Motta.

The former Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG star has quickly taken a shine to Ferguson, and the Scotland midfielder is already reaping the benefits.

Ferguson told The Sunday Post: “I’m really enjoying myself in Italy. The move has worked out very well for me so far.

“The first couple of weeks were tough – just finding my way around, the language barrier and being in a hotel. But it has got easier.

“Once I found a place to live, got my Italian lessons up and running, and got to know the players in the squad, I’ve found the transition very smooth.

“My team-mates have made me feel very welcome, and everyone at the club appreciates I’m putting in the time and effort to learn Italian.

“There are four or five getting lessons twice a week at the club. I’m enjoying it. I can now say a number of things, and I know I’ll improve every week.

“On the park, I had my first start of the season away to Napoli. We lost 3-2 but it was a fantastic experience.

“We just need to start winning more games, and we’ll be fine.

“The new gaffer has also been great with me. Thiago Motta was a legendary player, and I remember watching him on television when he played for PSG.

“As soon as he came in, he pulled me aside and told me not to be afraid to ask any questions. He told me to always look to improve and want information.

“His English isn’t great and nor is my Italian, but we have found a way. Sometimes I find it hard when it’s a team-talk for the whole squad.

“But I ask the manager’s staff for clarity, and it’s explained to me. It’s all good.

“And I know what the manager wants from me on the park. He doesn’t need to say too much, as I’m aware of his expectations.

“There is no doubt, with his input, I’ve already improved as a player.

“And training with the guys such as Marko Arnautovic and Gary Medel every day has also led to me upping my game.

“We also have some very good young players. The quality is really high, and there is a good mix of talent.

“All in all, it’s been great.

“I always wanted to move away from Scottish football to try something completely different. Bologna excited me.

“I made up my mind quite quickly that I wanted to come here. I wanted to get the deal done, and just crack on with the next part of my career.

“I enjoyed my time at Aberdeen and starting out at Hamilton Accies.

“But I felt the time was right to go in a different direction after five years in the SPFL Premiership.”

Ferguson will enjoy playing against the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Inter Milan and Fiorentina.

But he has also loved tasting the food in the local restaurants when out for dinner.

He said: “Bologna is the home of bolognese. I’ve not tried to make it yet, but it’s different class.

“I’ve not had a bad meal yet out here. The food is amazing.

“It’s nice to go out and about, and the people are very friendly. There is a nice pace of life, even just having a coffee at a cafe.

“Because the weather is so pleasant, you can sit out all the time, even for dinner at night.

“This move has improved me as a footballer, but it’s also made me a more rounded individual. I’ve matured. It’s been so good for me.

“I wanted this challenge, and I’ve embraced it from day one. I’m here on my own, but I’m settled and content.

“But it is nice when my mum, Carol, comes over. She will make me some nice dinners.

“It’s great to have her here, and she gets out as often as possible.”

Lewis is fully focused on Bologna, but he will have one eye on Napoli taking on Rangers on Wednesday night in Naples in the Champions League.

His dad, Derek, played for the Light Blues, and his Uncle Barry captained them.

They all want to see Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men get a positive result in midweek.

Ferguson said: “It’s a brilliant stadium, and what an atmosphere.

“I played there last Sunday in my first start, and the bus journey towards the ground really left an impression.

“The home fans let you know they were there. They love their team, and they create a good atmosphere inside the stadium.

“It’s noisy but not intimidating.

“They are also an excellent team, as their results in the Champions League tell you. But you never know what might happen when Rangers go there.”

Moving forward, Ferguson will look to get back into the Scotland set-up, and may well be involved for next month’s friendly away to Turkey.

He said: “I love playing for my country, and I’m very proud to do so.

“I’ve had dialogue with Steve Clarke, and the conversations have been very positive.

“I was delighted to see us clinch a place in the Euro 2024 Play-offs. We have a massive 12 months coming up, and I want to be a part of it as quickly as possible.”

Bologna entertain fellow Serie A strugglers, Lecce, at the Stadio Dall’Arra this afternoon.

The stadium was the stage for David Platt’s extra-time winner against Belgium at Italia 90, a spectacular volley.

Lewis Ferguson wouldn’t mind repeating that some time soon.