Lewis Ferguson has been nicknamed ‘Saint Lewis’ by the Italian papers after the Scotland midfielder’s hair-raising return to Bologna action.
Ferguson climbed off the bench after 203 days out and had a hand in the winning goal as his team picked up a 1-0 victory over Lecce – their first at home this season. According to the Italian press, that was no coincidence. Gazzetta dello Sport say he ‘had the keys to the cursed house’ hinting that their poor form this season, particularly at home, has largely been down to his absence.
Local paper Corriere di Bologna labelled him ‘Saint Lewis’ and said there were two loud cheers during the game – the moment he came on, and the moment Riccardo Orsolini scored the winning goal. According to Corriere dello Sport, there wasn’t much of a distinction between those two moments in terms of the volume – they say Ferguson’s first steps onto the pitch were ‘celebrated like a goal.’
Ferguson himself admitted he got Goosebumps at the standing ovation he got from the fans. The serious knee injury had caused him to miss the Euros with his country in Germany this summer but fans were off their feet when he came on. After the game he was mobbed by his teammates while delighted fans stayed behind after the game to give him a standing ovation.
The former Aberdeen star said: “The roar when I came on and returned to the pitch gave me Goosebumps. What a thrill it was for me. Our fans are fantastic and the warmth and reception I received really moved me. It was very emotional to me and it felt great to be back, especially in front of our supporters. I want to thank them all. But the most important thing was we got the victory.”
Ferguson has scored 13 Serie A goals in 58 starts since his arrival in Italy in July 2022.