NWANKWO KANU

Kanu is best known for his recent briliant performances as a player of Arsenal but not many people know how Kanu started and what brought him to London. He is an outstanding talent and a very young player, although he has been around for a while now. He started his success in Ajax under the briliant coach Van Gaal who transformed Ajax into as European soccer powerhouse. Kanu was just one of the amazing superstars who came out of the Ajax youth system. After a few seasons in Ajax, the big spenders Inter Milan just had to have him. It was a  dream come true for a young boy from Nigeria. But after his mover to Italy things didn't go as soomth as he planned them. Kanu was diagnosed with a rare heart problem that was to end his career aconrind to some doctors. After the shocking news about the life threatening disease and the failed attempt to go back to playing soccer at Inter, Kanu decided to change the setting and settle in London with the "Gunners" from Highbury. That was a decision of a lifetime for the young Nigerian because he soon won over the Arsenal fans and teammates.gg

Tell us something about that phenomenal goal you scored against Middlesborough.

I is just  a matter of instinct, and I had similar goals like that before in my career. When the ball is coming so fast there is no time to think. Something has to be done and a real striker does it instinctively, automatically.

Is that your favorite goal in the career?

Are you satisfied with the life in London and the atmosphere in the club?

After all that has been happening to me, I have to say that I am finally settled and I think I found a great club. Everyone was more that nice and helpful. The manager, my teammates and fans especially. How can I not be happy?

Last season you were a step behind Man Utd. But as a second placed team you have qualified for the Champions League. What do you expect in this season?

This year Man Utd showed that they are a remarkable club and this season it is on us to prove how much we are worth. Second place and Champions League is a very good result though.

How did you get your first professional contract?

I was playing with the U-21 Nigerian team in Japan and I was voted the best player of the tournament. Coming back from Japan we had to stop over in Amsterdam where a whole Ajax delegation  was waiting with papers ready to sign. I didn't think twice.

Was Ajax the only team that approached you?

No, I contacted Ajax before but it was Bayern who were really persistent to get me. I chose Ajax because of their reputation. It is well known that Ajax has the best youth system and I wanted to try myself in such an environment that produced one or two superstars every year. It turns I was right to make that choice. That was a great experience.

You are playing with your former Ajax teammate Marc Overmars, and also Dennis Bergkamp is here.

Yes, I am particularly glad that Marc is here cause he was one of my best friends in Ajax. He was the smallest one and I was one of the tallest. He always joked with me that I should leave and start playing basketball instead. I was only 17 then  and had tremendous respect for him. I didn't have a drivers license at the time and Marc was always there to give me a ride.

Who is your role model and who had most influence on you in your childhood?

When I first came into Ajax lockerroom here were superstars all around me. I felt intimidated because that was already one of the best teams in Europe. A man came to me and said: "You must be Kanu, my name is Frank. If you need anything or have any problems just come to me." He shook my hand and smiled. That was Frank Rijkaard. He was the man that helped me most. As a kid I was already playing big games and it wasn't easy. Frank always encouraged me saying:"Kanu, don't think about the game, just play the way you know how to play." His words meant a lot to me.

What are your happiest career moments?

Winning Champions League with Ajax and the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics. But I am still very young and I believe I will win many more titles like those.

The hardest moments must be associated with your hart problem After the operation you wanted to prove that soccer was not over for you. That took a lot of courage and will power.

The disease was discovered by accident in Milan and many thought that my playing days were over. But I made it through with the help of God. People ask me where I get my strength. I will tell you. I have four brothers and a sister, and of course my parents. If I quit they would feel the consequences as well. Thanks to my contracts I am able to provide them a better life in Nigeria where things are very tough. That was my motivation.

Did the hear problem change you as a person?

Maybe I grew up a bit. I met new friends, but some of them I don't even want to hear of. When you are going through the hardest moments of your life then you know who are your friends. For example, when I came to Amsterdam one man helped me. He wanted a cut and was always with me. When I got sick he simply disappeared and never answered my phone calls. That is a warning to all the young players. Be careful who you make friends with and what contracts you are signing. You never know what future brings.

This interview is from The TeknoSurf AdWave