Eddie Nketiah cited Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as a positive influence on his career after being called up by the England senior squad.
Nketiah was coached by Henry as a 16-year-old in the Gunners academy before the Frenchman joined Belgium as assistant manager in 2016. A common theme Nketiah shares with Henry is wearing the number 14 shirt.
“Thierry has been magnificent for me. I was able to be coached by him, (as a) first year goal scholar at 16 (years old).
“It was amazing, one of my best and most enjoyable seasons, being able to bounce ideas, learning from him. And he gave me a lot of confidence. And still to this day, whenever I see him, he’s always there and always supporting me. So, I’m really grateful.”
Answering the call ????
In a #ThreeLions squad for the very first time. Congratulations, @EddieNketiah9! pic.twitter.com/hyaT6EiFsG
— England (@England) August 31, 2023
Nketiah, who was born to Ghanaian parents, could be in line for his first England cap when the The Three Lions take on Ukraine and Scotland in the Euro 2024 qualifiers on Saturday and next Tuesday.
The 24-year-old also narrated how his Ghanaian family were influential in his career.
“Yeah, it’s a long list, to be fair. For my sisters as well,” he continued.
“I remember, in terms of my parents, my mum and dad. My dad would drive me to every game home, away. Tours as a kid. He would book a flight come and watch, support. Mum would stay up washing kit.
“[My] sisters would finish school, come and pick me up to take me on a train all the way to Cobham, or if that would be to Hale End. There’s been a lot of things. Also, when you get released at age of 13, 14, them being there and supporting you and knowing that it’s not the end of the world. I think there’s been a loads of little things and probably so much for me that I can’t list them all.
“I’m so grateful to my family and also my friends who have always supported and been there for me through the ups and downs. And obviously some special coaches along the way. I’m proud to have those people as part of my journey and hopefully I can continue to make them proud.”
Nketiah has been favoured over Gabriel Jesus as Arsenal’s starting centre forward this season and has scored two goals in four games so far in the Premier League.
