Victor Wanyama Reflects on Premier League Journey and Kenyan Pride
Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur (R/obscure) celebrates scoring his sides first goal and his mobbed by Victor Wanyama (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Former Premier League star Victor Wanyama recently spoke to RG about his illustrious career, his time at Southampton and Tottenham, and his pride in representing Kenya on the global stage. With a passion for the game and a deep love for his country, Wanyama shared his thoughts on the current football landscape and his hopes for the future.
"It's been a long season for them and I have been following them. They have a chance to bring the club back to where they belong, the Premier League. I think they should give it their best and go all out because a game at Wembley is always memorable."
Reflecting on Southampton's Championship Play-Off Hopes
Reflecting on his three seasons at Southampton, Wanyama expressed his excitement for his former club as they prepare for the Championship play-off against Leeds United. He remains optimistic about their chances and encourages them to give their all.
"If you ask me if they will do it because I think they can but that is football everything and anything can happen. In the case they are not able to do it, I think they can build on this season. They have young players who have a lot of potential and are stars of the future."
Wanyama's connection to Southampton remains strong, and he continues to wish them the best in their endeavors. "I love my time at Southampton and I still keep in touch with some people there so I will always wish them the very best of everything," he said.
Turning his attention to Tottenham, where he spent a significant part of his Premier League career, Wanyama praised the team's performance under manager Ange Postecoglou. Despite challenges, he sees a bright future for the club.
"Wow, they started the season absolutely on fire and all in all I think they had a great campaign. Obviously, they had injuries and what that meant was that they just did not have the same momentum when they got players back."
Wanyama highlighted the importance of key players and their impact on the team’s success.
"Obviously, as you’ll know, some of the guys I have played with are there like Sonny (Son Heung-min) and he says so many nice things about the manager and the group so I have a feeling that even next season will be better."
He remains confident in Tottenham's ability to build on their achievements and continue improving.
"They just have to build on the gains of this season and then go on to add a few players and they will be fine."
Wanyama also reflected on his historic journey as the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League, a milestone that brought immense pride and inspiration to his compatriots.
"I think that as a Kenyan it is one of my proudest moments and the fact that I was the first to show that people from my country could compete makes me so proud. There are a lot of talented Kenyans out there but when we get to Europe we just don't play for ourselves and our families. We have to always remember that we are playing for the next generation and how we carry ourselves will go a long way in putting trust on the next ones."
His message to young players remains consistent: strive to make your country proud and pave the way for future generations.
"When I get the chance to speak to the young players I always tell them that look at where you’re coming from and do it so well that when you’re no longer playing you’ll feel proud that you once got the chance to represent your country."
Now playing in Canada, Wanyama maintains a strong connection to his roots and cherishes the time spent back home.
"As professionals we travel and chase our careers but I can tell you that no place is like home, and that is where the heart will always be. My friends are there, my family, the people I grew up with so I try to go and spend time there with the people I feel recognize what we have had to sacrifice to get where we are at the moment."
Reflecting on his Premier League journey, which saw him play 154 league games before moving to the MLS, Wanyama expressed a poignant sentiment about not being able to say a proper goodbye to Tottenham fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Yeah, that was a real low as there were no fans in the stadium due to the virus. I would have wished to be able to say a proper goodbye to the fans who were so good to me."
