On an autumn morning in London, Arsenal forward Eze got up early. On this day, he was going to return to his alma mater and the place that helped him grow up to give back to the society. There, the players also took various questions from students and reporters.
Talking about the possibility of moving to Tottenham this summer, Eze said: "I was originally planning to join Tottenham, but after Arsenal made the offer, my choice has always been them." Talking about the five years he spent at Crystal Palace, the player said: "I miss the people I met there the most and the friendship I formed with them there."
In fact, Eze returned to school this time to promote chess, and he brought new equipment to the school's chess club. In response to further questions from the students, Eze revealed that his favorite chess piece is the knight and his favorite player is the American international master Levi Rozman.
Before the age of 18, Eze was abandoned by clubs such as Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall, but he still insisted on his dream: "Deep in my heart, there is always a voice telling me: Persevere and keep working hard until the end. Because this is what you want to do, this is your passion, and what your heart is. No matter how many people say you can't do it, no matter how difficult the road is, you must persist. Go on."
Fourteen years after being released by Arsenal, fate brought Eze back to the place where his dream began: "The first first-team game for Arsenal was very meaningful to me. It felt so unreal because it was a scene I had dreamed of for a long time. I played for Arsenal from the age of 8 to 13. I have always wanted to return here as an Arsenal player, and now my dream has come true."
Eze also talked about the impact that playing for Crystal Palace had on him: "I learned there that the connection between people is more important than anything else. The feeling of what you do for others is difficult to replicate elsewhere. This experience will always be with me and continue to guide me throughout my career."
This weekend, Arsenal will face Crystal Palace at home, Eze said: " It will be a special day and a special game, and I want to win this game, but my love for Crystal Palace, the people and the fans will always be there. Playing for Arsenal is more of a grand performance than when I was at Crystal Palace, so there is more pressure because of the championship and the Champions League, but it has been my dream since I was a kid. Even though I am not at 100% yet, I am enjoying the process of continuous improvement."