Eddie Nketiah Explains His Choice of England Over Ghana in Emotional Interview

 

Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah has finally spoken out about his decision to accept England's call-up amid talks with Ghana. The 22-year-old, who is of Ghanaian descent, had been courted by both nations for his international allegiance.

Nketiah had previously expressed his interest in representing the Ghanaian national team, and had a series of discussions with officials from both countries. Last year, he openly mentioned contemplating the idea of playing for the Black Stars.

However, after much deliberation, Nketiah made the choice to represent England, accepting his first-ever senior invitation. He said that he felt it was a "natural progression" for his career, having played for England throughout his youth level.

"It's a really proud moment for me, my family and friends," Nketiah told reporters on Tuesday. "It has been quite the journey to get here - a lot of ups and downs."

"Once the call-up was there, an offer was on the table, it was really hard to turn down and something which I felt was a natural progression for myself at this stage."

Nketiah was a key player for England's under-21 side and is its all-time leading goal-scorer with 16. He has also cemented himself into Arsenal's forward line, scoring two goals in their first four games this season.

"I'm a much better player than I was maybe two or three years ago," he said at a press conference at St George's Park, England's training headquarters. "I'm coming in at a good time, and I'm in a good moment. I feel confident and feel ready. I know I'm still going to improve. I'm humble enough to know that I'm not the finished article."

Nketiah also revealed that his family happened to be at his home when he received the call-up, and that they were very emotional and proud of him.

"When I got the text, it was surreal. I am usually a calm guy, but I did lose a bit of composure for a second," he said. "It was an amazing moment - all my family were really emotional. I have worked really hard to get up to this point so it was kind of nice to get that recognition. I don't think I said much, I was just checking my phone to make sure it said 'selected'."

"My parents were really emotional because they sacrificed a lot for me to get here," he added. "It was just really nice to see that kind of happiness and pride on their faces."

Nketiah is now poised for his senior debut with England when they face Poland in their first game of the break against Ukraine on September 9, 2023. His decision to represent England rather than Ghana marks a significant moment in his international career.

Sources: GhanaWeb, Fiji Times, Sportstar, GHANAsoccernet