Hackney-born star said when working as pundit last year he would only return to Super Bowl as a player, as he will on Sunday

Hackney-born Jay Ajayi will hope Sunday is a day to remember as he takes part in Super Bowl LII.

The 24-year-old running back plays for Phildelphia Eagles, who tackle New England Patriots this weekend in Minneapolis.

For the majority of the Eagles’ roster, including Ajayi, Sunday’s contest will be a maiden Super Bowl appearance.

This time last year Ajayi, then with Miami Dolphins, was working for a sponsor and doing punditry during a Super Bowl won by the Patriots, and he vowed to only return to such an event as a player.

“I left early. I told my manager, my boys and my family I’m not coming to another Super Bowl again unless I was playing in it,” Ajayi revealed.

“It’s crazy how things work out. Now I’m back playing in the game so I don’t have to do the talking. I’m just grateful.

“The biggest thing for us to realise is even though it’s the Super Bowl, it’s still another game.”

Super Bowl LII starts at 11.30pm GMT on Sunday.