Eberechi Eze is determined to remain grounded amidst the whirlwind of his recent high-profile transfer to Arsenal and the increased expectations that come with it. The 27-year-old attacking midfielder, who secured a move to his boyhood club last month from Crystal Palace for a reported £67.5 million, is focused on living in the moment and continuing to develop his game.
"Worried? No. Because I play football," Eze said when asked about whether he was concerned his move to Arsenal wouldn't materialize. "That's what I do, and wherever I am, I want to be the best I can be, and I'm confident I'll do that wherever I am".
Eze's journey to the top has been far from straightforward. Released by Arsenal as a youngster, he faced numerous rejections before finding his feet at Queens Park Rangers. This experience has instilled in him a sense of gratitude and a determination to make the most of every opportunity. "I always trust God, I always trust the journey and the path where I'm meant to be, I'll be," he stated. "And I'll continue to be the best version of myself, and as long as I'm doing that, that's all I can do".
The weight of expectations is undoubtedly significant. Following a somewhat subdued performance in England's 2-0 victory over Andorra, former Manchester United captain Roy Keane suggested that Eze needs to elevate his game to meet the demands of playing for a top club. "The worry for me when we talk about players like this… I think he did okay. But the manager will be saying 'okay is not good enough. We need to be setting higher standards than that,'" Keane commented.
Despite the criticism, Eze's teammate Noni Madueke defended his effort, acknowledging the difficulty of playing against a packed defense. Arsenal manager Thomas Tuchel also echoed the sentiment, admitting Eze "didn't have his very best day in the number 10 position".
Eze, however, remains unfazed by the external noise, he is choosing to concentrate on the present and what he can control. "There's a lot going on, it's fun for me," Eze said. "This is why I play football. These are opportunities that you want".
Eze is also aware of his role as an inspiration to young people. He actively supports his football foundation, which helps children both in and outside of football. He recognizes the importance of providing positive role models, particularly for young men. "It's important people are watching, and people look up to you," Eze explained. "So again, it's not even just to inspire people here, it's to other people that are in my position, and I want them to see and to understand okay this is what I'm doing it, but really you should be doing it where you're from".
In his first interview since signing for Arsenal, Eze sat down with legendary striker Ian Wright for an in-depth discussion about his transfer. Eze expressed his gratitude to Crystal Palace, acknowledging the club's significant role in his development. "I can only thank God for the opportunity to be here, to be playing, to be recognized in this type of manner," Eze said. "For me, it's what I've wanted to do from those pictures. It's in me, it's part of me".
As Eberechi Eze embarks on this new chapter in his career, his focus remains clear: to embrace the present, work diligently, and continue inspiring others through his actions on and off the pitch.
