Samuel Chukwueze is brimming with confidence ahead of the new AC Milan season, believing he's made significant strides in pre-season, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.
The Nigerian winger has caught the eye with standout performances, including goals against Real Madrid and assists against Manchester City as he's now tipped for a stellar season under the new technical management headed by Paulo Fonseca.
In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Chukwueze opened up about his previous struggles at the club and the unwavering support of his family.
"My mom was dead set against me playing football. In Africa, education is paramount, and she believed football wouldn't provide a stable future. But I was obsessed with the game", Chukwueze reminisced on his life back in Nigeria before stardom.
"I'd play until the sun went down, then face my mom's wrath. She'd confiscate my football boots, forcing me to hide them. She even burned my shoes and kit once, insisting I focus on school. I tried, but my heart wasn't in it".
"My cousin's brother told me about a football trial in the city, but I dismissed the idea. Early one morning, he knocked on our door, and my mom refused to let me go because of school. Thankfully, my grandmother intervened and gave me money for transportation".
"When I arrived, the trial was supposedly over, but they let me show my skills. Impressed by my ball control, they invited me to a tournament in Portugal", he continued further.
"My mom had a dream about me winning a trophy and scoring goals, which eerily came true. She's finally become a believer in football, but it was my late grandmother who was my biggest supporter from the start. Despite her newfound enthusiasm, my mom still insists on academic pursuits".
"She wants me to become a doctor, preferably a sports doctor, but I originally wanted to be a lawyer. To keep mentally sharp, I occasionally research medical topics online, understanding that my football career won't last forever", he added.
By Olaleye Oluwadamilola