3-LION HEART
Nigeria came calling, but Abraham was always set on England call-up
TAMMY ABRAHAM insists he never thought about quitting England to play for Nigeria.
The Nigerian FA made a huge attempt to try to sign him up, even though the on-loan Swansea striker had already played for England Under-21s.
Abraham, 20, would have been eligible for Nigeria through his father, and they rolled out the red carpet, promising to make him their main man.
But the London-born star insists he never even had a decision to make as his heart has always been set on playing for England at senior level.
He said: “I see myself as being a long-term England player. I am 100 per cent focused to try to get into that team.
“The attention from Nigeria was flattering, and it was nice to know I was going in the right direction.
“They tried to (roll out the red carpet) but, like I said, the focus was always England.”
England have lost several youngsters to other countries in recent times, including Nigeria signing up Alex Iwobi, so Gareth Southgate was determined not to let Abraham slip away too. The Three Lions boss gave the forward his first call-up for the friendlies with Germany and Brazil, after the Chelsea youngster scored four goals in 10 games for the Swans.
Abraham insists he remains determined to make it at Stamford Bridge and uses Tottenham’s Harry Kane as an inspiration.
He added: “Harry has shown the whole world. You look at his goals, his finishing and all aspects of his game. He is someone that I look up to.
“It is not easy to get into the Chelsea team. But the aim is to play for my parent club.”