Kareem Tunde: "There is a lot of work behind it, I have been fighting for many years."

Kareem Tunde lived an unforgettable day last Sunday as he made his debut as a starter with the first team of Levante UD. The young Granota footballer was part of the starting lineup at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium in the 0-3 victory against Sevilla FC after playing his first minutes on December 20 against Real Sociedad coming off the bench.

Tunde has acknowledged the emotion of taking this step forward in his professional career. “It’s a dream. There’s a lot of hard work behind it, I’ve been fighting for many years, with many setbacks, and in the end, all the work pays off,” he assured. The youth player also explained that to prepare and face such an important moment, “I followed the advice I was given, which was to be myself, naturally, without nerves, to have confidence, and to enjoy myself.”

At the end of the match, the winger found his mobile phone full of congratulatory messages. Undoubtedly, the most special ones were those received from home: “All my family told me they were proud of me, that only they knew the work behind it.”

Kareem Tunde wanted to highlight the atmosphere in the Granota dressing room and the way the players integrate the reserve team footballers. “They always welcome us in the best way. They know we are young, that we have a lot to learn, they also push us when they need to, and that’s what really helps us improve. We always feel like one of them,” he commented.

The debut of players trained in the Granota Academy is always a source of pride for all its members, who celebrate it as if it were their own. Behind every debut, there are many hours of work and many people working daily to help them achieve their dream. “People outside don’t know all the work behind it, the efforts, the things you have to give up…,” he admits.

Finally, in such a significant moment, Kareem Tunde does not forget those who have accompanied him along the way. “All the coaches I’ve had. If I’m here and I’ve been able to experience what I’ve experienced, it’s thanks to them. Each one has taught me something. Also, my family. My father and my mother have always been behind me, they have fought a lot and have also made many sacrifices,” he pointed out.

Below, you can watch the full interview.