With an FA Cup veteran for a father, Niklas Freund has reason to be excited ahead of his competition debut on Saturday.
The young Chelmsford City goalkeeper – whose father Steffen made 11 appearances in The FA Cup for Spurs and was crowned European champion with Borussia Dortmund in 1997 - will make his bow against Worthing on Saturday.
He is guaranteed to start the Second Round Qualifying tie after first-choice goalkeeper Nicky Eyre was sent off against Boreham Wood two weeks ago – and said Saturday cannot come soon enough.
Chelmsford City v Worthing
FA Cup Second Round Qualifying
3pm, Saturday 27 September
Melbourne Stadium
“I’m motivated and very much looking forward to the game,” he told TheFA.com.
“It’s been a crazy week already, with interviews about the game – and I’m also going on the radio for the first time as well.
“It’s especially exciting as I know what The Cup means for the club and for everyone involved.
“It’s such a massive competition with a fantastic history, it will be an honour to play in the game. I cannot wait and I’m ready to give it my best.”
Freund, who has just celebrated his 20th birthday, is currently a second-year logistics student at Greenwich University.
Despite having football in his blood, the young German says that his education has always been a priority to him.
However, he did admit Saturday’s contest may overtake his studies at the forefront of his mind - for the next 24 hours at least.
“Football is a part-time job for me,” he added.
“Mainly I go to university to study. As it stands now that is my main focus and my future.
"I am in my second year at the moment and I probably want to go on to do my Masters after that, so I’ve got a future in business as well.
“It’s such a massive competition with a fantastic history, it will be an honour to play in the game”
Niklas Freund
“Of course it has always been a life-hobby for me though, it runs in the family and of course I always want to do well – starting with this weekend.
"It’s a special game I really want to enjoy and will give it everything I have.”
And his famous father Steffen, who is currently the international technical coordinator at former club Tottenham Hotspur, will be missing the North London derby to watch his son play in The FA Cup.
“My father will be there at the game on Saturday. He’s very proud as well - and it's great because he played in the competition so many times himself.
“It’s incredible – of course it’s just a qualification game but it’s going to be an incredible experience for myself, and the club. It will be a special day for everybody.
“The rest of the family will be there too – my girlfriend, my sisters – everybody.
"I really happy and excited to be involved and I can’t wait for the game to kick-off.”
