Harry Kane statue unveiled in Chingford homecoming

Kane, now England’s all time top goal scorer, began playing football at five years old in Chingford for Ridgeway Rovers.

He returned to the Peter May Sports Centre earlier today (November 18) where a statue of himself has been installed.

During an interview at the unveiling, Kane said: “This is where I first started playing football for Ridgeway Rovers and my school team, Chingford Foundation. This is where the building blocks of my career started.

“To have this (the statue) is a great reminder of the journey.

The England captain used to play for Ridgeway Rovers (Image: Zac Goodwin/ PA) “I just hope it inspires young boys and girls to know that their dreams can come true.

“I am just a normal guy from Chingford who had a dream of doing what I am doing now.”

Kane adds his signature to the mural (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA) The statue, depicting the former Tottenham striker sat on a bench with a ball on his knee, sits in front of a painted mural of Kane.

“The mural as well is a great inspiration for the young boys and girls that play here, to one day be in the same shoes that I am.”

The statue was unveiled by two Ridgeway Rovers youth players (Image: Zac Goodwin/ PA) Two Ridgeway Rovers players revealed the statue alongside the England skipper.

When asked if we can expect to see another football star emerge from his youth team, Kane said: “We’ve had a couple (play for England) now so it shows Ridgeway Rovers are doing something right. Who knows? That would be an incredible thing.

“The Peter May Sports Centre does a great job in providing what the young boys and girls need.

Kane is England’s record goalscorer (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA) “Hopefully we’ll see another prospect come through this pathway.”

Kane, who scored in England’s 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, does not see the next World Cup as his last major tournament for his country.

Kane hopes the statue and mural inspires others (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA)

“Sometimes there’s a perception when you get to your 30s that you’re coming to an end but for me, personally, I’m performing at the highest level I’ve every performed and feel as good as I’ve ever felt.”

Reporting by PA.