Exclusive: Eberechi Eze Ready for Next Step in His Career, Says Former Palace Star Fenwick

Former Crystal Palace man Terry Fenwick has lauded the club's triumphant FA Cup adventure this season, branding it an 'amazing achievement' and one to be proud of by everyone at the club. 

Palace ended an overdue wait for the club's first-ever major honour last Saturday, when they beat Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley to lift the silverware.

And Fenwick, 65, who represented the Eagles for four years before joining Queen Park Rangers can't help but feel elated with his former side finally getting their hands on the coveted title. 

"I'd say for Crystal Palace to go all the way and beat Manchester City in that final was an amazing achievement", a delighted Fenwick told Sportsboom.com exclusively from his base in Trinidad and Tobago. 

"You can imagine the feeling now. My daughter turns nine next month, and this coming at a time like this, what better time than now? I can't think of any."

"Yes, we are renowned for our really good record within youth development and indeed, the FA Youth Cup finals."

"I experienced it myself as a kid, we got in the FA Youth Cup final twice, and we won it both times. I remember scoring the winners in both finals."

"But by their standard, City are a huge team even with the troubles they've had this season."

"Pep Guardiola arguably the best coach in the world, you just have to see that was an unbelievable result for Crystal Palace."

THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM

Crystal Palace have been to two unsuccessful FA Cup finals previously before their victory last week, losing to Manchester United on both occasions. 

Back in the 1990 final, The Red Devils needed a replay to finally knock the stuffing out of a resilient Palace side who held on for a 3-3 draw in the first game. That set up a return tie, but the South London club would have no answer for Lee Martin's effort which left them heartbroken. 

And then in the 2016 final of the tournament which ended 2-1 in favour of United again, Jason Puncheon scored for Crystal Palace but goals from Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard secured the victory for their rivals. 

"Maybe that's it. The lads needed that and thankfully they got it." 

"Usually, you feel tensed when you go into a final thinking about previous losses."

"You're on the edge, you don't want to be the one who comes away with that sinking feeling."

By virtue of winning the FA Cup, Crystal Palace have landed themselves a place in the Europa League for next season. 

TRANSFER INTERESTS IN EZE TO INTENSIFY

Eberechi Eze struck the solitary goal which handed Palace their first title in their 119-year history when they won the final at Wembley last week. 

The England international is certain to be a subject of transfer interests this summer after a spectacular campaign, but is contracted to the Selhurst Park outfit until the summer of 2027.

However, Fenwick admitted the likelihood suitors will come hovering for a player who he believes to be phenomenal. 

"About the guy [Eze], i think it would really be difficult to ward off transfer interests but any sale would be determined by how much longer his contract at the club is at the moment," Fenwick told SportsBoom.com. 

"He's easily a £70, £80 million player, sure. He's had a tremendous season for Palace, and also his involvement in the England national team shows he's up for some real good things."

"And then, he's just at the right age, the right time to try to take that next big step in his career."

"He's earned it, so I do not see the club standing in his way, if the right price and a good project which suits all parties comes in."