Premier League Summer Series: Postcards with Everton legends | Wednesday, July 30

As told to Gabby Hajduk

Everton F.C. legends and current club ambassadors Leon Osman and Graham Stuart traveled across the pond to Chicago for the Premier League Summer Series doubleheader at Soldier Field. The first match featured Everton and West Ham United, and the second match saw Manchester United face off with AFC Bournemouth. Check out Osman and Stuart's postcard where they share their experiences in the Windy City and excitement around the Premier League collaborating with the Bears and the NFL.

Driving up to Soldier Field was special.

The view of the city behind it combined with the historic pillars give the stadium a really unique look. That experience only intensifies when you walk into the stadium and see how impressive the pitch is, the sky boxes and the high-rise seats on the west side. It was so impressive.

This is my second time in Chicago, but my first as a tourist. I played in a friendly against the Chicago Fire in 2009 around this time of year. I remember it being an incredibly hot day and it was a tough match. As a player at that time, I didn't really have the chance to see the city because we were on such a tight schedule.

Now to come back as an ambassador, I've had a couple days to go around the city, experience the architecture tour on the river and enjoy some of the food options. I've been so impressed by the entire city. Seeing the city at night on that river cruise, with the sun setting and the beautiful architecture reflecting off the water, was just unbelievable.

Chicago may now be my favorite city in America.

It's been incredible to see how many Premier League fans are in the city or traveled here for the matches. I think it's incredible to see the engagement and reach we have in the U.S. It's also great to give the American fans an opportunity to see their favorite Premier League teams up close and personal, as opposed to on the television.

A lot of people I've spoken to here in Chicago have traveled from all around the United States. As a guy from England, hearing that someone took a nine-hour drive or six-hour flight to come and see this set of games is really eye-opening.

Back home, I can get halfway across the world in nine hours. It's incredible to see the dedication these fans have in wanting to travel for the summer series. Playing in cities like Chicago can really spread the game to new fans and it shows love to the people who already have a passion for the sport.

Playing at such a historic stadium like Soldier Field, where the Bears play every season, is also incredible for the sport. I've followed the NFL for many years and I just love this partnership that the league and teams are building with the Premier League.

Unfortunately, I'm a New York Jets fan, but seeing how the Chicago Bears have connected with Everton and the entire England fanbase in the past few years, I can now say the Bears are my second team.

I was able to make a quick stop at Halas Hall where the club trains to meet a few players and see the facility. I was so impressed by the building, the structure, the players' intensity in their training and even their mascot, Staley.

I have really just loved my time in Chicago and I cannot wait to see how Everton's partnership with the Bears continues on.

Goodbye for now,

- Leon Osman

I'm a bit disappointed I have to pack up and leave Chicago today.

I can't explain the fantastic welcome Everton and the Premier League have had in this city and at Soldier Field for match day. The atmosphere inside the stadium was just incredible. I was having a difficult time making conversation down by the pitch before the game with how loud it was.

There's just so many people around the world who want to take in these games and see their favorite teams like Everton or Manchester United play live. In the U.S., the sport is a little different than how it is in the Premier League.

Obviously you all embrace soccer as a game and have the MLS, but there's a unique way about the Premier League that I think people enjoy as well. While the NFL will always be the biggest sport in America, I think bringing our games to the U.S. can definitely grow the sport here even more.

We went to a few soccer clinics this week, and to see young players kicking the ball around and enjoying the sport as much as we do was special.

Being in Chicago is also a bit more special for me as well because I'm familiar with the area. My little sister moved out to the Chicago suburbs about 30 years ago. She came out here for a soccer camp, met her husband and never came home. So I've visited her family several times, I've been to Chicago a few times, but I've never really stayed in the city.

I've just loved it.

I was also just amazed by Soldier Field — it was my first time at the stadium. We got to go see the dressing rooms and all the behind-the-scenes areas. I think the history of the Bears and their stadium is very similar to our historic Goodison Park, where Everton played for more than a century.

Having the chance to see Everton play out here and prepare for the season ahead was such a special opportunity. I can't wait to keep going on the summer series tour, but I will be missing Chicago!

- Graham Stuart