Ghanaian youngster Gideon Kodua has heaped praise on his family for the role they played in his career so far after signing his first professional contract with West Ham.
The 18-year-old became the third Academy graduate to sign his first professional deal with the club.
Kodua has been in fine form this campaign for the U18s, scoring seven goals in 11 U18s matches so far this season.
“My family have helped me throughout my whole journey. Not just at West Ham – before West Ham as well. They’ve done so much for me,” he told whufc.com.
“They did those late night lifts and drives, when you get back in the early hours and then they’ve got to get up early too.
“I know they’ve done it because they love me and want to see me succeed, so I’m so grateful to them. I can’t even really say ‘thank you’ because I know it’s not even close to enough to repaying them.”
