Eberechi Eze, the Arsenal forward and former Crystal Palace player, recently visited his old school, The John Roan School in Greenwich, London. This visit took place on a Thursday morning as he aimed to inspire students and promote his passion for chess.
Eberechi Eze’s Visit to The John Roan School
During his visit, hundreds of eager students filled the gymnasium for Eze’s assembly. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as he received a warm welcome from both students and teachers. Eze came equipped with chess boards, pieces, and clocks for the school’s chess club.
Engaging with Students: Questions and Insights
Eze answered numerous questions from inquisitive students. Queries ranged from his transition from Crystal Palace to Arsenal to his thoughts about Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool’s title chances. He expressed confidence that Arsenal will indeed win the Premier League this season.
- Current Club: Arsenal
- Former Club: Crystal Palace
- Age: 27 years
- Cost of Arsenal Transfer: £67.5 million
When asked about his time at Crystal Palace, Eze fondly mentioned missing the people and the relationships he built during his five-season tenure. He praised Harry Kane as the best player he has ever played with.
Promoting Chess: The Eze Foundation’s Role
Eze’s visit was not just about football; it focused on promoting chess, a sport he has embraced in recent years. His foundation collaborated with chess.com to provide equipment for the school’s chess club, which meets weekly.
Along with Eze, his brother Ikechi, who introduced him to chess, and Lorin D’Costa, a British chess coach and International Master, led discussions on the benefits of chess. They encouraged students to participate in the club and play online.
Eze’s Journey in Chess
Though Eze has only been playing chess for a few years, he achieved notable success by winning chess.com’s PogChamps tournament, securing $20,000 for his foundation. He shared with students that he started learning through YouTube tutorials on chess openings.
Addressing Aspirations and Dreams
Through this visit, Eze emphasized the importance of perseverance. He encouraged students to keep pursuing their passions despite setbacks. He recalled his own journey, having been released by several clubs before making it to the professional level.
Reflecting on his return to Arsenal over a decade after his initial departure, Eze expressed that it felt surreal to finally play for the club he had always dreamt of rejoining.
Impact on Future Aspirations
Eze’s experiences at Crystal Palace significantly shaped his personal and professional life. He remarked, “Relationships and connecting with people are far more important than anything else.” Eze also looked ahead to Arsenal’s upcoming match against Crystal Palace, highlighting the unique blend of excitement and nostalgia he feels.
Currently, Arsenal sits atop the Premier League table, three points clear of Manchester City. Eze has made an impressive start with two assists in seven league games, although he feels there is room for improvement in his performance.
Eze’s journey from John Roan School to becoming an influential figure in football and chess reflects his dedication to both sports and his desire to inspire the next generation.
