Why Rose Barkley Opted To Play For England,Not Nigeria

He may not look it but Ross Barkley has the Nigerian blood running through his veins.

Barkley was born in Liverpool on December 5, 1993 to a Nigerian father Peter Effangah, and a British mother Diane Barkley.

Per FIFA rules, the 28-year-old was eligible to represent the Super Eagles at the international level but opted to play for the Three Lions despite initial thoughts of representing the three-time African Champions, according to Allnigeriasoccer.

The decision to turn his back on his fatherland was fuelled by his father’s rejection in his infancy. According to reports, Peter Effangah neglected Ross Barkley and his mom when he was just a year and a half old.

For this reason, the attacking midfielder bears his mother’s maiden name instead of his father’s name, Effanga.

Barkley was heralded as football’s next big thing at a very young age. Former Everton manager Roberto Martinez described Barkley as a mix of Paul Gascoigne and Michael Ballack.

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez said in November 2014 that Barkley is good enough to play for Barcelona, praising his physical and technical qualities in both penalty areas.

Everton boss, Frank Lampard also compared young Barkley to Wayne Rooney.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder returned to Chelsea last season after a loan spell with Aston Villa.

Barkley marked his 100th appearance for the Blues with the winning goal against Watford in the last league game of the past season, which was also the final goal of the Roman Abramovich era.