Konsa: We all embrace the culture we are from

While Ezri Konsa is from London, the Aston Villa defender grew up in an international household in Newham, in the east of the capital.

"My dad's from the DRC [the Democratic Republic of] Congo," he says. "My mum's from Angola. So, growing up there were two different languages being spoken at home."

Konsa is proud to have parents from different countries, not only because it has given him the opportunity to speak multiple languages. And he is part of an international squad at Villa that includes players from the Caribbean, South America, Europe and Africa. 

"There are people that are born in in London or wherever and their parents are from different countries," he says. "From what I know, and from the boys that I know, we all embrace the culture we are from."

The video is part of the Premier League's message that "Greatness comes from everywhere", with the League's No Room For Racism initiative reinforcing that diversity on the pitch - with 123 different nations represented so far - has played such a pivotal role in making the competition what it is now. 

From his parents Konsa got to experience different cultures, while from his brother he got his love of football. Watching his brother play Sunday league helped Konsa not only to become a professional player, but also stop him from being led astray.

"The area I grew up in wasn’t the best but having an older brother there to guide me down the right path was very important and very key in where I am right now," he says.

"He was always there, always supporting no matter if we’re playing away or home. He’s been my biggest influence since my career started."

Now as a senior player and an England international, Konsa is determined to ensure that young players coming up through the ranks at Villa enjoy the same help that he got. 

"I think for all the kids out there, make sure that you have got the right support around you and the right people," he adds. 

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