Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, has put an end to the transfer rumors swirling around him, dismissing speculation linking him to a move to European giants Real Madrid, AC Milan, and other clubs. The talented Villarreal and Nigerian winger has reaffirmed his loyalty to the Spanish club, asserting that these rumors hold no truth. Despite the growing frequency of reports about his future, Chukwueze remains committed to the Yellow Submarine.
Having just completed his most successful season yet, Chukwueze has undoubtedly caught the attention of numerous top clubs. The Nigerian Super Eagles winger showcased his skills by scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 50 matches, including a standout performance where he netted a brace and an assist in Villarreal's remarkable 3-2 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Samuel Chukwueze had 13 goals and 11 assists for Villarreal in the 2022/2023 season.
He is only 24 years old. pic.twitter.com/s7lSG20lnZ
— jacobeshun (@jacobeshun2) June 6, 2023
Real Madrid, in particular, have been heavily linked with Chukwueze, with reports from Diario AS suggesting that AC Milan also have their sights set on the talented winger following their unsuccessful pursuit of Brahim Diaz. It has been reported that a transfer fee of around €40 million has been quoted, especially after Villarreal manager Quique Setien admitted that Chukwueze could potentially leave the club this summer.
However, the player himself has cast doubt on the veracity of these rumors. Chukwueze remains focused on his current club and has chosen to ignore the noise surrounding his future.
In a recent interview with Panenka, he stated, “People are always going to talk. I only think about Villarreal. I don't read what they put on social media. That doesn't matter. What matters is the moment. What if it's a lie? What if it's not real? I don't know. For now, I don't think it's true. The only thing that is real is Villarreal.”
Nigerian Winger Samuel Chukwueze's Interview
Villarreal and Nigerian winger, Samuel Chukwueze, takes center stage in a captivating interview featured in the latest edition of Panenka magazine, June's issue 129. In this insightful conversation, Chukwueze delves into various aspects of his life, including the challenges he has faced, his culinary preferences, cherished memories from his childhood, the power of language, and his admiration for Nigeria's footballing glory days in the 90s.
Samuel Chukwueze (Ikwuano, Nigeria, 1999) nos recibe en Vila-real feliz de la vida. Pide charlar en inglés, aunque se acaba imponiendo la risa, el lenguaje del alma, un idioma universal.
✍️ @LuisFando
📸 @Marga_Ferrer
📖 #Panenka129
🔗 https://t.co/a3RC03iTr8 pic.twitter.com/LHUXBsgHtC— Panenka (@RevistaPanenka) June 9, 2023
The Nigerian winger, known for his vibrant personality, shares the journey that led him to achieve recognition at the ‘groguet' club and reflects on the exhilarating moments he has experienced throughout his career, particularly this season where he has excelled in scoring, as well as the historical milestones he has achieved at La Cerámica. The interview is a testament to Chukwueze's humorous spirit, boundless energy, and unwavering passion for the beautiful game.
About his arrival in Villarreal
“At first, I didn't want to go to Villarreal. I didn't know anything about the club or not even where it was. I think Villarreal has been the best thing that could have happened to me. I will never know how it would have been if, in the end, I had been chosen by Arsenal.”
“Villarreal is one of the best in the world. It's my family. This club is inside me. It's my home. Leaving Villarreal would be very difficult for me. But you never know what can happen in the future.”
About his Exhibition at the Bernabeu
“It's a dream come true. Who hasn't dreamed of scoring a goal at the Bernabéu? Well, I scored two! It was historic for me and Villarreal.”
About Friends in the Locker Room
“Pau Torres is my brother. I have always kept myself locked up at home because I didn't speak Spanish, but I didn't understand it either. I had a hard time socializing, meeting people, and relaxing. Then he would come and take me out with his friends.”
About his Beginning
“My mother wanted me to go to school and train me. I told them that I wanted to focus on football and only football. They set fire to my boots and my kits.”
About his Childhood
“My childhood was not easy. I come from a poor family. It's hard to come home from school and have nothing to eat. I had to go to other friends' houses to put something in my mouth or to drink water. But you have no choice but to continue. What are you going to do?”
“Sometimes, when there's a little bad moment, I think about it and move on. With everything that has improved my life. How can I complain?”
About his Role Models
“When I first saw Kanu (Nwankwo), my legs trembled. Somehow I'm still that kid. I grew up watching Bolton because of Okocha. Now some kids are Villarreal fans, partly because of me, and that's incredible.”
About his Playing Style
“When you have talent, you have to dare. Sometimes it is necessary to pass, but if there is a one-on-one, you got to go for the opponent. You have to leave it on the ground. Football is also this. It takes more courage and more risks.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 months ago
