Nigeria target Abraham says England were always first choice

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Oct 09, 2019. 10:00

Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham says he was always going to choose to play for England if the opportunity arose, changing his tune from previous statements where he had said he was torn between the land of his birth and Nigeria.

The Nigeria Football Federation have had a long pursuit of the 22-year-old, but his call-up for the Euro 2022 qualifiers against Czech Republic and Bulgaria look to have ended their hopes.

“At the back of my head, I’ve always wanted to play for England. I was born and grown in England,” Abraham told reporters.

“My dream was always to play for England. It doesn’t affect the fact Nigeria still wanted me, and it’s a big nation. I love both nations. My head was just screwed on with England.

“I’m here and I’m ready to stay. I want to do the best I can. That means playing well, for club and country.

“Just hopefully I can get many years experience under my belt for England.”

Abraham says he is looking forward to working with his ‘idol’, Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane.

“I can learn from Harry, I’ve come here to steal his ideas. Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world. I’ve come to learn the other parts of his game, and add it to my game as well.

“You see his finishing, left foot, right foot, I just want to take that into my game. So when I go back I can work on myself and practice. Harry’s someone I’ve grown up watching.

“For me he’s the best striker in the world. I was always excited to come here, to watch him train, to train with him, and hopefully maybe play with him as well. He’s always going to be my idol.

“I’m here to stay, to do well, the best I can, I’m here because right now I’m doing so well, top goalscorer in the league. Hopefully I’ll get my chance and take it.”