OLA AND THE ITALIAN MOB

Forest star Aina reveals how during his time with Torino he faced furious fans, learned the dark arts ...and missed out on swapping shirts with Ronaldo

- GRAHAM HILL

OLA AINA'S Italy adventure taught him football's dark arts but cost him a shirt swap with Cristiano Ronaldo.

While plying his trade in Italy the ex-Chelsea kid had one eye on a return to the Premier League - and Nottingham Forest have given him that chance.

Aina has spent the last five years with Torino in Serie A and his football education has been sharpened by choosing to play international football for Nigeria despite coming through the England ranks.

He is set for his home debut for Steve Cooper's side against Sheffield United tonight and, while he is well aware of the fervent atmosphere Forest fans create at the City Ground, he says Italian football is a whole new ball game. The London-born 26-year-old said the Turin supporters were quick to let the players know if they were not up to scratch.