Nigerian-born prodigy sets EPL record, thanks Vieira
Ozoh was born to Nigerian parents in Valencia, where he was raised until he was eight until moving to Croydon.
Nigerian-born David Ozoh has become the youngest player ever to play in the English Premier League.
The 17-year-old was introduced in the final moments against Newcastle on Saturday night and became the club's youngest ever Premier League player - beating George Ndah's record from 1992.
"It means a lot," Ozoh told Palace TV after the game.
"You put in all the hard work for this moment. It’s a dream come true. I can’t believe it – it’s honestly the best feeling ever.
"When I got told to warm-up I was nervous, but when I got on, I felt good and obviously just tried to play it simple, make a few passes and grow into the game.
"Honestly, coming on in this game was crazy. It was a game that we really wanted to win, and to be put on in this type of game shows how much trust the manager has in me, so I’m really pleased."
Ozoh was born to Nigerian parents in Valencia, where he was raised until he was eight until moving to Croydon.
"My parents decided to go there for better opportunities at the time, but I moved to the UK when I was eight-years-old," he said.
"I came to Croydon; it was the first place I moved to, and I remember it like it was yesterday.
"Valencia is really different to Croydon! It’s hot, it’s really good. I enjoyed my time there, so I was quite sad when I [initially] moved here, but it was for the better. We came here for a better opportunity.
"I was speaking fluent Spanish, but no one believes me anymore! I forgot a bit of my Spanish - when people ask me to say things, I can't really - but I’m trying to pick it back up."
Ozoh showed an aptitude for football from a young age, and was offered places in the academies of a number of clubs in his native Spain.
However, with his parents moving to the UK, he was forced to turn them down.
Instead, he joined Palace's academy not long after arriving on our shores.
But it wasn't until U15 level where he found his best position.
“[In the early days] I played literally everywhere. I played as striker, winger, centre-back... but in the Under-15s season I played central midfield and I felt like it just clicked.
"It was brilliant for me, and ever since then, I’ve never looked back. I’ve always been strong on the ball, being fast, playing quick. I’ve been developing the skills I already have and making them better to progress into the first-team.
“I’ve always been bigger than my age group. That’s why they’ve tried to play me up a few times: to test me, and see that it’s not just about my strength, it’s also about my technical ability. I think I’ve done well when they’ve brought me up."
Before he ran on to the pitch at Selhurst Park last Saturday night, Ozoh received a pat on the back from manager Patrick Vieira.
A midfield enforcer in his day, the youngster is learning the ropes from the Arsenal legend about his key position.
“Patrick Vieira is a good manager. I just try and learn so much from him, as we played in the same position," Ozoh explained.
"He’s good to me, he speaks to me after training to let me know what I can do better, and I really like working with him."
