Eberechi Eze shuts down Arsenal theory ahead of crunch Champions League decider

Arsenal have endured a challenging few weeks but Eberechi Eze insists that there will be no fear when they lock horns in the Champions League with Sporting Lisbon on Wednesday night

Eberechi Eze grew up watching the Champions League - and is now ready to make his boyhood dreams come true.

Eze spoke with a wonderful passion about playing on European football’s biggest stage and a belief that Arsenal can win the major trophies this season. It has been a bumpy road for Arsenal after losing the Carabao Cup final, crashing out of the FA Cup and then slipping up against Bournemouth in the title race.

But they do have a one-goal lead over Sporting Lisbon ahead of their quarter final second leg and Eze insisted that Arsenal are not playing with any fear or nerves.

The Gunners star said: “We all know the position we are in and the opportunity we have and we know what is at stake, loads of confidence, loads of belief in the group, and in our team and it is special to be around.

“The focus is on the opportunity we have and to grab it with both hands. For sure, these are the moments you want to play in as a footballer.

“You want to play in high-stake games and all the competitions and win as much as you can. It is a beautiful time. I am so excited and I know the boys are, too. And we are going to give everything, for sure.”

Eze, 27, joined Arsenal’s academy as a nine-year-old just after the club reached the Champions League final in 2006 but he still remembers the likes of Thierry Henry and that generation and how they played with such belief.

That is what drives him now along with those childhood memories of watching European football with all the stylish, skilful stars. Fast forward all these years later and he is the No10 in Arsenal’s team hoping to reach a first-ever back-to-back Champions League semi final.

Eze said: “I think there was a certain level of confidence and not arrogance, but belief within that squad. For me that's what football is about, going onto a pitch and believing you're that guy.

“You're part of that team, for me that's the mentality. They had that. That's something we've got as well, which is special to be a part of. For sure something dreams are made of I think.

“For sure the Champions League is special, growing up watching it on TV and dreaming to be playing in this competition and having it as a goal of mine from a young age is very special thing which has happened and I don’t take it lightly.

“To be in a position where we can win the competition, we’ve got the actual opportunity that’s the most special thing and I’m grateful to God for it.”

Eze has fought back from a calf injury to be ready for the run-in and that determination to get himself back on the pitch requires mental strength. Having suffered a serious Achilles injury earlier in his career, he knows what it takes.

"I believe that confidence does come from the previous injury, how I worked there and the faith that was instilled in me and letting go of fear of another injury having that piece of mind and knowing that God is with me and knowing that will leave me in good stead,” said Eze.

His faith is clear along with his bright personality, intelligence and determination to improve. He was, of course, rejected from Arsenal at 13 and had to fight his way back. This time, he admits that it took time to adjust and learn Mikel Arteta ’s methods.

Most striking of all was - after a hugely impressive spell including a hat trick against Tottenham and a standout performance against Bayern Munich - was being dropped after a defeat at Aston Villa when he did not track his man.

Eze added: “I'd say that's just part of the journey of playing for Arsenal, certain responsibilities that you have. Maybe if you're not doing it to the best of your ability, there's another player who's potentially going to do it better.

“That's the level we're playing at, that's the level of competition in the squad. Me not play was something I understood and I can understand because of the level of football that we're playing here.

“Again, part of the journey and part of what it takes to win. That's the type of team that you want to play for sure.”