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Shola Ameobi – Talks about his Past, Present and Future

9 years ago
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Shola Ameobi has tasted victory for the first time on English soil since Newcastle’s final home game of last season against Cardiff.

Having appeared as a late sub in the home defeat by Arsenal, the former Newcastle striker tasted victory for Palace at West Ham.

Shola scored in that three goal win in his final match at St. James’ Park but it was more a case of seeing the game out on Saturday, coming on with Palace leading 3-0 but down to 10 men – the final score 3-1 to the visitors.

Shola Ameobi has also been talking to the South London Press about his past, present and future:

The Past:

“There certainly will be testing times. There have been over the years at Newcastle. That has helped me build that calmness – because you do have those moments in the North-East.

“You have to be able to rise up to the occasion and be calm and collected.”

“Essentially Newcastle is a one-club town. Everyone is so passionate about the club and you get times when things aren’t going right and the pressure intensifies.

“But coming down here has pressures of its own. The way Alan (Pardew) dealt with the situation at Newcastle and never let it affect him will definitely stand him in good stead for the future.”

The Present

“I have got two young kids and family is the most important thing. My daughter has started school and, with me coming in here initially short term, I didn’t want her moving around from school to school or town to town. It’s a case of them staying up in Newcastle and me going up there when I’ve got days off.

“I certainly believe I have got enough quality to play for another two or three years in the Premier League. I’ll be working hard to try and do that (turns 34 in October).”

The Future:

“I’m doing my coaching badges at the moment in case I do go down that route but I want to play at the highest level for as long as I possibly can. If that is Palace then great. I’m not thinking about hanging my boots up any time soon.”

Alan Pardew:

“The thing I like about Alan is that he is a strong person and he believes in the way he wants to play the game. It suited me.

“He gives confidence in abundance to players and is someone I really admire.

“I’m a big believer in having the right attitude and saying what you think. The relationship I had with Alan meant we were honest with each other. There is a respect there.”

Life according to Shola:

“I don’t let anything ruffle me and that’s a trait that I’ve inherited from my father – he’s exactly the same.

“It’s about putting everything into perspective. Football is something that is our life but sometimes people take it out of perspective.

“I try and view life – not just football – in a calm and calculated way to best achieve what I want to achieve.

“My mantra has always been that as long as you learn, whatever you go through, it will put you in a better stead next time.

“Football is all about confidence and having the right mentality. Then you go out, do the best you can and hopefully your qualities shine through.”

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