Though he perhaps stepped on the path towards a top-level football career not long after he learnt to walk, West Ham United forward Crysencio Summerville has never forgotten who he is, and what’s important to him.
The Netherlands youth international, who has cemented his place in the Hammers XI since announcing his return from a seven-month injury lay-off with an incredible display in August’s 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest in August, hails from humble beginnings, which he remembers as being full of love and warmth.
The second-youngest of eight children, Summerville was born into a busy household and a vibrant part of Europe's largest seaport, Rotterdam, where he mixed with people from a variety of cultures, made friends for life and enjoyed everlasting experiences.
“People would probably describe Rotterdam South as a bit of a difficult neighbourhood, but there were people from all walks of life and backgrounds there with us, and I think it helped make me the man I am today,” our No7 smiled.
“My family is from a Surinamese background, and there were people there from Türkiye, Morocco, Curaçao and Poland, too. I think we all came together, and it didn’t feel at all like people were judged for being from somewhere different.