Scotland midfielder Lewis Ferguson maintains a close relationship with his father, Derek, often seeking his advice on footballing matters, even if he ultimately chooses a different path. Derek Ferguson, a former professional footballer himself, shared an anecdote from a recent Bologna training session where he was present. "I was gonna say something," Derek recalled, "but I thought, just zip it, just sit there." This restraint was in response to witnessing a conversation between his son and two football executives, one of whom was the owner of Pisa, Alexander Knaster.
Lewis Ferguson, who has been with Bologna for four years, acknowledged the dynamic with his father. "I wasn't so worried about him at a closed-doors game because I think he would keep his mouth shut," Lewis said. "All the chat was over the phone." He added that he is not overly concerned about his father's presence from the sidelines, as long as it does not become excessive.
"I'm there as a fan," Derek responded. "It's a great thing for me because I can let go a wee bit and I can enjoy it, supporting him and supporting Bologna. Being there at the game, I'm excited. I love the atmosphere."
Lewis Ferguson reflected on his experiences with the Scotland national team, particularly the World Cup. "While we were there it just felt as if it was never going to end. I had that feeling because we’d spent so much time together and you just don’t think there’s a chance you’ll go out and it’ll all be over," he said. "So, in terms of the experience and the whole organisation of everything, it was amazing but it’s just the feeling we could’ve done more. There’s a wee bit of regret there, a wee bit of bitterness that I feel we didn’t quite show the best version of ourselves."
He emphasized that the pressure within the squad comes from self-expectation rather than external sources. "We expect a lot of ourselves, we put the pressure on ourselves to do that because, when you look around the dressing room and you see the quality we’ve got, that sort of team spirit that’s unmatched, I expected us to get through the group."
Regarding his club future, Ferguson indicated he is content at Bologna but remains open to opportunities. "I’ve still got two years here plus the option of a third year so there’s still a bit of time left on my contract," he stated. "I’m happy here and I feel at home but then I’m always open to any other opportunities. I would listen to what they have to say and that’s whenever."
He has become accustomed to transfer speculation since his early years. "Every transfer window, since I was 18 or 19, there have always been links with other clubs being spoken about back home. What’s said in the media is fine but it’s never going to affect me or what I do." Ferguson prefers to focus on concrete interest when it arises. "The only time I start to think about it is when there’s something concrete and there’s real interest."
Derek Ferguson expressed confidence in his son's decision-making process. "I just love the lifestyle that he’s created for himself and his wee family. He’ll be 27 in a week or so and I think, the way he is, he’ll play into his late thirties because he can play different roles. So it’s about looking out there for different challenges and that’s what I love about him."
Lewis Ferguson is settled in Italy with his wife and two daughters. His eldest daughter, Lake, is becoming bilingual, a testament to their life in Bologna. "When we were back in Scotland, before the World Cup, I took Lake to the park. She was playing on a climbing frame with the other wee kids and, at one point, she was hanging off the side. She shouted for help but she did it in Italian. 'Auito' she was saying and I told her nobody was going to understand what she meant." He noted that she already mixes English and Italian when counting.
Derek Ferguson also shared his perspective on Lewis's move to Italy, noting that his son chose Bologna over other interested Italian clubs based on a "gut feeling." He believes it was a sound decision, leading to a successful period for the club. "He’s very driven. He knows where he wants to go and I’m just enjoying the journey," Derek said.