Luton Town midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu believes that self-belief and self-confidence are the keys to his success in the four divisions he has played in with the Hatters so far.
The 29-year-old, who signed a new contract at the club earlier this week to confirm a decade at Kenilworth Road, is the first player to ever be promoted from the National League to the Premier League with one club.
“Crazy,” described Mpanzu about his rise with the Hatters. “I’ve been with Luton Town since non-league, so to achieve that with one club is special. I‘ve still got a way to go until August, away at Brighton which is going to be a difficult game as they all will be, but just to know that I’ve played a lot of games for the club and helped them throughout every league is special. The 12th of August can’t come soon enough.
“It’s about self-belief and to have confidence in yourself, with that confidence you can do anything in the world. There’s always going to be doubters and people that have their opinion, but I believe in myself and my ability. The club and the manager agree so I’ve got to repay the faith that they’ve put in me and keep trying to perform.
“You never know when football will end for you so it’s just about enjoying it, working hard, always listen to what Rob and all the staff, taking on the tactics for all the teams we will be playing, taking everything in my stride so hopefully when that day comes in August, we can get a result. Football is a results business so hopefully that comes because it would give us a good start to the season.”
On playing in the Premier League with Luton Town, Mpanzu explained: “I don’t think words can describe it just yet, I think when the fixtures came out that’s when it hit me a little bit, I think until we get to August, we’ll think we are getting there, but when we get to August and go to Brighton, it’s going to be special.
“Once you put on the shirt and you see the Premier League badge, we’ll think we’ve achieved something mad and we don’t want it to end so soon, we’re going to try and win as many games as we can out of the 38 games that we play. It’s going to be an adventure to say the least."
🗣️ "Luton has been my second home"@PellyRuddock on his return. ✊#COYH pic.twitter.com/fejlXwhOxD
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) July 10, 2023