British-born Nigerian forward, Eberechi Eze has revealed that he has no regrets dumping the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the Three Lions of England.
Eze who was one of the outstanding players at Crystal Palace, helping the team avoid relegation, scoring 10 goals and contributing four assists, celebrated his maiden call up to the English national team by declaring that turning down Nigeria was the best decision for him and his career.
Eze had long been courted by Nigeria and was invited on more than two occasions to join up with the African giants but never honoured such invitations.
Such was the hunt for him that former President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick once boasted that it was just a matter of time before the 24-year-old star became an Eagles player.
However, following his scintillating performances with Palace last season, England coach, Gareth Southgate extended him an invitation which he immediately snapped up.
While speaking at a news conference after his presentation to the media on Tuesday, Eze said his decision was an easy one, without any regrets.
“I received the call and I felt it was the right decision to make and I am very, very happy to be here,” he said.
“It was more just speaking to the people around me, my family, my wife, getting good advice from the people around, trying to think what is the best decision for myself and my career.
“We think that this is the best one. It is a big opportunity for me, it is the highest level of football. I look at it with no regret at all.
“It is the highest level of football, you want to test yourself against that, you want to be in that and you can see from the quality of the team, where they are getting to, the confidence they are playing with, it is incredible. So, being part of that is big.”
England will face Malta in their UEFA Euro qualifiers on Friday, and Eze is expected to make his debut for the Three Lions at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium in Malta.