Former Palace striker: I'd love Selhurst Park return

FORMER Palace striker Leon McKenzie will be returning to his hometown of Croydon on Friday, December 7 to sign copies of his new book 'My Fight With Life'.

And in an exclusive interview with Advertiser Sport in today's Croydon Advertiser, the 34-year-old explains how he would love to say 'thank you' to the Eagles fans at Selhurst Park.

McKenzie played more than 400 games inside an 18-year career, scoring over 100 goals, and it was towards the end of the 2004/05 season that he recalls as one of his main highlights.

"My goal against Manchester United for Norwich was definitely my favourite goal in March 2005," he said.

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"That was the highlight of my career, but there have been others like scoring two on my debut against Ipswich for Norwich, and also my Palace debut, which will always be in my heart."

And he also pointed out the best players he had the pleasure of playing with and against in his career.

"The best player I played with was Dean Ashton because he was probably the most complimentary towards my game," he said.

"And the best player I played against was Thierry Henry. To be on the same field as him and see him in action when he was at his peak, he was the one."

Towards the end of his career, he faced problems off the pitch and was on the verge of ending his life in 2009.

And he points out exactly what he went through in detail inside his new book, which is set for release next week.

"The book is very deep where I go with certain things and I don't think it will just appeal to football people," he said.

"It goes back to my childhood and I speak a lot in depth about what I went through as a child, my parents and my family background.

"I went through a very difficult period in the back end of my career, so the choice to be able to start it off that way, I just felt it would grip people more."

McKenzie was recently inducted into Peterborough United's Hall of Fame at half-time against Palace two weeks ago, and he revealed that Norwich are set to bring him onto the pitch at Carrow Road in the near future.

And he hopes something similar can be arranged at Selhurst Park too.

"I've not been back to Selhurst Park this season but I spoke to someone at the club recently about getting a book signing arranged," he said.

"I would just love to show my appreciation to the club that gave me the opportunity to play professional football.

"Anyone will tell you I still look out for Crystal Palace - that's where I'm from."

For the full-page interview with Leon, who talks more about his book, his current favourite Palace player, the fans at Peterborough recently and recalling his time as a youngster coming through the Eagles youth ranks, do not miss today's Croydon Advertiser.

To order Leon's book and for more information, please go to http://www.macanthonymedia.co.uk/books/leon-mckenzie.php