Colin Kazim-Richards has come along way from the East End of London where he was born and raised. He always wanted to play at the highest level and now he is with Sheffield United and thoroughly enjoying life amongst the Premiership's elite. He has also been called up for the first time to play for Turkey Under 21s. Having achieved his initial goals for both club and country, his next ambition is to lose the title of the 'Coca-Cola kid' having won a fan won competition organised by the drinks company which allowed Brighton to buy Colin from Bury. Givemefootball's Lawrie Madden caught up with him ahead of this weekend's Chelsea game.
Q:CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CALL UP TO THE TURKISH UNDER 21s - YOU MUST BE VERY PROUD?
A:Cheers. The gaffer (Neil Warnock) phoned me up to tell me, although I knew they had been watching me. My Mum is from Turkey and Turkish is her first language and English second. You should have seen her face when I told her. It was delightful. She was very proud and having once seen me play for Bury reserves she knows this is a massive step. It was a difficult decision to choose between England and Turkey, though.
Q:WHAT MADE UP YOUR MIND?
A:I thought about it long and hard because you may only play one game and can't play for anyone else but that's it. I thought in the long run this was the best option. Turkey are a good side and whilst I reckoned I might be able to get in the England squad at some stage, this was an opportunity I had to take.
Q:HOW ARE YOU ENJOYING PLAYING AS A WIDE MAN?
A:I like it as I get a lot of the ball, more than as an out and out striker. I enjoy setting up goals as it gives me a lift. Every goal in the Premiership is precious. It is about the team and not about the individual and I am keeping out a very good player.
Q:CHELSEA AT THE WEEKEND - THE BIGGEST GAME OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
A:Without a doubt, playing against Chelsea is massive. No disrespect to Brighton but this is a dream come true. I made my debut at the Emirates Stadium and to walk out with Thierry Henry was a dream.
Q:HOW WILL YOU APPROACH THE GAME?
A:Do what we are best at. Don't get sucked in because it is Stamford Bridge. Every game there are two or three chances and if we take one it can affect the game. When we played them before we missed a penalty, if we had taken that we may have changed the game. Chelsea have got loads of cash but I don't think their success has anything to do with money. The Chelsea players actually want to play, and not just for the money.
Q:WHAT ABOUT THIS COCA-COLA KID LABEL?
A:It was good publicity for me, for Brighton and the fans at the time. Sheffield United bought me with their own money this time. I just hope my career keeps going up. I hope to win the Champions League one day and be known as a top player.
