West Ham United’s Crysencio Summerville is pleased with the journey he has had so far in his professional career.
Voetbal International had a chat with the 23-year-old on various topics and his comments are relayed by 1908.nl.
The West Ham player spent more than a decade at Feyenoord. He left the Eredivisie side for Leeds United in 2020 and spent four years with them before joining the Hammers in the summer window.
Summerville was born in Rotterdam and explained he was raised in a tough environment in the Dutch city and this has made him mentally strong.
RB Leipzig’s Lutsharel Geertruida and Feyenord’s Antoni Milambo also came from the same neighbourhood and the West Ham summer signing is thrilled with the support they receive from the place there were born.
“Rotterdam South is not the easiest neighbourhood to grow up in. I try to be a good example for the guys there. That applies to more boys. Lutsharel Geertruida, Antoni Milambo. It makes me good to see that,” he said.
“When I’m back in the neighbourhood, I feel the love everyone has for us. How proud they are that we have made it this far.
“I try to be myself and do good for the neighbourhood. Hopefully they see us as motivation.
“It doesn’t matter what environment you are in, there are always opportunities. That’s where I got my perseverance from. I have always said: I don’t care how far I get in life or in football, but I will never give up. Mentally I am very strong.”
His fine displays for the Championship side last season [21 goals and10 assists] convinced the Hammers to bet on him. The Dutchman is yet to replicate his Leeds form at West Ham, with a goal and an assist so far this season.