Burgeoning Arsenal star Alex Iwobi has opened up for the first time on his reasons for choosing to represent Nigeria instead of England at senior level, telling the Sun that he felt he had to "follow his heart".
Iwobi was born in Lagos in the African country but has previously been a youth international for England at under-16, under-17 and under-18 level.
After not featuring for any Three Lions side since 2013, the 19-year-old elected to play for the country of his birth rather than his adopted home before making his senior debut at club level.
However, since that decision Iwobi has enjoyed a quick rise to prominence, scoring twice in 15 appearances for the Gunners, and after starting for the Gunners at the Nou Camp against Barcelona in the Champions League in mid-March has become a key player for the club in the Premier League.
Despite many suggesting that he may regret not choosing England now that he is being billed as a star of the future, the youngster insisted he had no regrets and told the Sun that his decision to represent Nigeria was an emotional one after family advised him to follow his heart.