Nigeria international forward Samuel Chukwueze has thanked Barcelona super star Lionel Messi for voting him among his top three U21 players in the world at the recently concluded 2019 Ballon d’Or award.
Messi voted for the trio of Jaoa Felix, Jadon Sancho and Chukwueze as his top three players under the age of 21 with the Villarreal forward the only African player in Messi’s list for the award which was won by Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.
Chukwueze who is in the running for the CAF Young Player of the year award says getting recognised from a player of Messi’s status is a testament to how his game has improved the past few months and he is motivated to do more.
” For one to get an endorsement from a player of Messi’s status says a lot. I found it hard to believe when I was told because I never believed he will pick me in his top three players. The vote is a motivation for me to work hard and continue to improve on certain areas of my game”, Chukwueze told Owngoalnigeria.com.
” I am still learning in several areas of my game and hopefully I will improve and become a better player in the nearest future. Maybe to the level of Lionel Messi because there’s nothing prayers laced with hardwork can’t do. I learnt that from my mother “.
