Eddie Nketiah describes his decision to play for England rather than Ghana as a “natural progression.”
Eddie Nketiah, an Arsenal striker, said he selected England over Ghana because it felt like a “natural progression” in his career, and he will make his senior debut for the Three Lions at the appropriate time.
Ghana, whose current manager Chris Hughton said last month that they had approached Nketiah, has been courting him.
A call-up from England, on the other hand, was too tempting to pass up, according to Nketiah.
“It’s a really proud moment for me, my family, and my friends,” Nketiah said yesterday. “It’s been a long road with many ups and downs to get here.”
Eddie Nketiah describes his decision to play for England rather than Ghana as a “natural progression.”
“Once the call-up came, and an offer was on the table, it was really difficult to turn down, and it felt like a natural progression for myself at this point.”
He was qualified to play for Ghana because both of his parents were Ghanaians.
Nketiah, on the other hand, was a crucial player for England’s under-21 team and is the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer with 16, and has established himself in Arsenal’s forward line, scoring two goals in their first four games.
“I’m a much better player than I was maybe two or three years ago,” he remarked during a press conference at England’s training base, St George’s Park.
“I’m arriving at a good time and in a good place.” I am confident and prepared. I know I can still get better. I’m humble enough to recognize that I’m not the finished product.”
Nketiah’s family was at home when he received the call-up, he explained.
“It felt strange when I got the text. “I’m usually a calm guy, but I did lose my cool for a second,” he admitted. “It was an incredible moment, and my entire family was overcome with emotion.” I had worked extremely hard to reach to this position, so it was good to be recognized. I don’t think I said anything; I was just checking my phone to see whether it read’selected’.
“My parents were really emotional because they sacrificed a lot for me to get here,” he continued. “It was just really nice to see that kind of pride and happiness on their faces.”
England is the clear Group C leader in Euro 2024 qualifying, having won four of four games. On Saturday, they face Ukraine in Wroclaw, Poland, before facing Scotland in a friendly at Hampden Park on Tuesday.
