Eddie Nketiah plays for more than himself as he honors family legacy

[caption id=attachment_1229528 align=alignnone width=1024] LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: Eddie Nketiah of England looks on during the international friendly match between England and Australia at Wembley Stadium on October 13, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)[/caption]Eddie Nketiah has stated that he carries more than just his own dreams every time he steps onto the pitch.The Crystal Palace striker embraces the weight of his familys legacy, knowing his name represents generations of aspirations.Born in Lewisham to Ghanaian parents, Nketiahs football journey began in south-east London with grassroots club Hillyfielders. Chelsea scouted him at nine, but by 2015, he faced rejection. Arsenal saw his potential, offering him a fresh start that led to his first-team debut in 2017. He made over 150 appearances for Arsenal, including a loan spell at Leeds United, where he contributed to their Championship-winning campaign. Nketiah made his England debut on October 13, 2023, as a 73rd-minute substitution in a 1-0 friendly win against Australia.Now, as one of the Premier Leagues promising strikers, Nketiah reflects on what his success means to his family.It means everything. There are so many people descendants that come from that name, so Im making a lot of people proud. There are a lot of people in my family who probably wanted to be footballers and couldnt quite get there, Nketiah told NBC Sports By Way of Africa series.Through me, they get to live that experience and have that pride to see the name whenever I step on the pitch whenever I score, whenever I celebrate achievements. I know Im playing for a really important meaning and for a lot of people that are important to me, so I always try to give my best, he added. Read Full Story