West Ham United’s young defender Olatunji Akinola has put pen to paper on a first professional contract with the east London club.
Akinola is regarded as one of West Ham and England’s most exciting young talents, and is yet another promising product of the Hammers’ prestigious academy.
“It’s a great feeling for me and my family, a very proud day,” he said.
“It feels great that the club have shown faith in me to give me another three years to help develop myself as a footballer.
“I’ve been here since I was eight so it’s been nine years of hard work. But I’m playing football for a top Premier League academy so I’m definitely enjoying it as well.
“I have known for a while now but my instant reaction was pleasantly surprised. It’s a big thing as all my family are football fans as well so we were all celebrating when we found out.
“I feel this has been a strong season for me particularly. I have put in some solid performances in the 18’s and worked to get some opportunities in the U21s which I just want to carry on next season.
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“Ending the season with some successful tours is also nice; getting to the final in Zurich and Holland. Making my first team debut at the new stadium would be a beautiful moment and nice reward for the work I have put in.
“That would be the beginning of many hopes and dreams I plan to achieve with West Ham. The club is going forwards and i want to go forwards with all the Hammers fans.
“The club is really on the up right now with the new stadium, new exciting players and potential Europa League football. It’s great for us youngsters to be surrounded by this as it gives us motivation to go on and succeed at this great club,” he concluded.
Source: Yahoo