August 25th, when Eberre Eze stepped into Emirates Stadium as a Gunner for the first time, preparing to face Leeds United, he might forgive himself for staying on the familiar turf for a few more seconds. Although he has gained a lot in his career, this "deathful gun fan" who has supported Arsenal since childhood has always had a strong desire to play for his beloved team and a desire to follow the footsteps of those idols he once stood in the stands and looked up to.
While playing for Crystal Palace, he played four games at Arsenal and scored a goal in his last visit (drawing 2-2 in April this year). Eze admitted that every time he stepped on this venue, he felt the desire to show himself to the Arsenal decision-makers, and he looked forward to the moment when his dreams came true.
Eze talked about some of his feelings about joining the team in an interview with the official website of his new club Arsenal Club. He emphasized that Arsenal is his romance and his lifelong goal.
"From the beginning of my understanding of the meaning of professional football and other clubs, I was thinking about the possibility of returning. I kept telling myself: 'Arsenal is my destination, that is the goal I pursue throughout my life.' To be honest, I have been in the trial training for the past four years. Every time I come to Arsenal, I look at the seats I used to watch with my brothers, and every time I tell myself: 'It's now, this is an opportunity. 'I dare not say that I had a premonition, but that belief always exists."
"As a player, I have absolute confidence in myself. I have always played football the way, constantly improving, and at the same time I have the mentality of "letting go with the flow" - if this is destined, it will definitely happen. Even if I fail to do it in the end, I can accept it calmly because I know I have tried my best. Now that my dreams come true, I feel more full of more Powerful energy. ”
"I can feel the energy and passion of Arteta, which is exactly what I need." When he talked about his first contact with the coach, "The same is true for Berta. I know they will make me better. We have discussed the position issue, but as long as we get the opportunity to play, it doesn't matter which position we play in this environment. Of course, the coach has his own tactical concept, but for me, the space for free play is the key."
"If you have teammates who treat each other sincerely and support them when needed, it will be much easier to integrate into the new environment. For me, this is the perfect platform and a new starting point for my career. I will continue to work hard, continue to improve, and continue to fight. This is the ideal place to realize all my dreams. ”
2025 is undoubtedly a dream year for Eze. In March, he scored his first goal at Wembley Stadium; in April, he defeated Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-finals and scored; in May, he scored the only goal in the final, helping the team beat Manchester City, and historically won the first important championship trophy in team history. A few weeks ago, he won the Community Shield with the team again. Now joining Arsenal with a lot of honors, he is eager to continue to bring the same joy to the Gunners fans - those he once sat in the stands and cheered together.
"I just want to win, and I have to strive for victory no matter what the competition is," he said with a smile. "Now I have tasted the taste of victory. I am eager to contribute my strength to the team and to the team. This is my mentality. I have witnessed the significance of victory to the team and the staff, and I have also seen the great happiness that victory brings to the fans. Being a part of this happiness is my goal."