Amadou Onana has revealed the supportive reaction of his family to his World Cup call-up gave him 'chills' earlier this week.
The Everton midfielder is one of four Blues who will be jetting off to Qatar before the end of the month, with Conor Coady, Jordan Pickford and Idrissa Gueye completing this list.
For Onana, this will represent his first taste of being present at a major tournament for his country and marks another crucial step on his impressive rise as a professional footballer.
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Former Everton manage Roberto Martinez took the decision to name the 21-year-old in his 26-man Belgium squad, despite Onana only boasting a total of two senior appearances for his national team. Expressing his pride at being included in this select group, the Blues' No.8 told RTBF : "The road travelled so far, all the sacrifices that have been made throughout my career. It was a moment of joy, sharing and pride. We are very happy with this selection.
"I was on the pitch and asked the coach if he had his phone," continued Onana when explaining how he discovered the news of his place at the World Cup. "And then, once I got to the dressing room, I opened my phone and saw hundreds of messages and I immediately understood. They [family and friends] called me and congratulated me. They are very proud of me and I can feel it - it gives me chills to be honest. It's a joyous moment for all my family. I don't have the words."
One individual who has played a key role in Onana's footballing journey is his sister, Melissa, who has acted as the agent of the Everton star during his early career and brokered his summer switch to Goodison Park. Describing the emotions felt by his sibling, he added: "She is very, very, very, very proud, even if we hide our emotions in the family. But I feel it, I see it and it gives me chills. Compared to her and all the sacrifices she has made for me and help given on this journey throughout my career, it's a reward for her too."
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