'I love our mentality' - Nigerian-born ex-Chelsea star Aluko takes pride in her roots

Retired Three Lionesses striker Eniola Aluko has revealed that she takes pride in her Nigerian roots despite spending most of her life in England.

Born in Lagos, Aluko amassed 102 caps for England before calling time on her international career in 2016.

A Manchester United fan who grew up idolizing Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs,  the Anglo-Nigerian enjoyed a glittering playing career at Chelsea Women, spending eight years at the Blues, and was the club's all-time top scorer with 68 goals in 158 appearances before she was overtaken by Fran Kirby in December 2020.

Eniola's younger brother, Sone Aluko, who was born in London, played international football for Nigeria.

Speaking to Baller Talk, Eni Aluko said : "It has been a bit of a journey for me but as I'm sat in front of you now I love Nigeria, I love Nigerian culture, I love Nigerian people, I love our mentality.

"For me as a Yoruba woman I like the celebratory culture that we have, we like to shake a leg, we like to party but it's a very positive vibe. I like Nigerian food."

Eniola Aluko is currently the sporting director of Angel City FC in Los Angeles.

Igho Kingsley