Growing up in Kano was tough. Like many kids, we faced financial struggles, and life wasn’t always easy. I had to sell watermelons in the streets to help support my family. It wasn’t just about making money, though — it taught me discipline, hard work, and the importance of perseverance. Every day, I had to hustle, and that mentality stuck with me when I started pursuing football seriously. It instilled in me the mindset that no matter how hard things get, you can succeed if you work hard enough.

Your breakthrough performance at the Viareggio Cup in Italy was impressive, with 10 goals in six matches. What was going through your mind during that tournament, and did you ever imagine it would be a turning point in your career?

Honestly, I was just focused on doing my best. I didn’t want to overthink things — I wanted to prove myself, to show what I was capable of. Scoring 10 goals in six matches wasn’t something I expected, but it felt amazing. The tournament was a big moment for me, and while I didn’t realise it at the time, it turned out to be a turning point. It put me on the map and opened doors that I never could have imagined.

You went on trial with Chelsea afterwards. What was that experience like?

Going on trial with Chelsea was a dream come true. I remember walking into the training ground and being in awe of the facilities and the players. It was an incredible experience to be around world-class professionals and learn from them. I learned a lot about the level of commitment required to succeed at the top, and I also saw how much work it takes behind the scenes. It made me realise that the journey to the top is not just about talent; it’s about dedication, consistency, and mental strength.

Raheem Sterling even jumped on a video call to convince you to join the club. What did he say to you, and how close were you to signing with Chelsea?

Sterling is a great guy. He was really supportive and encouraging. He told me that Chelsea would be a great environment for me to grow and improve as a player. He also emphasised how important it was to stay focused and take advantage of the opportunity. It meant a lot to have someone like him, who has been at the top, believe in me. I was very close to signing, but ultimately, I decided it wasn’t the right time for me. It was a tough decision, but I think it was the right one in the long run.

What was the reasoning behind your decision, and what did you learn from the experience?

The decision was based on a few factors — mainly, I felt that I wasn’t quite ready for such a big move. Chelsea is a huge club, and I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared to take on the challenge. I didn’t want to rush into anything, and I felt that I needed more time to develop. What I learned from the experience is that timing is everything, and it’s important to be honest with yourself about where you are in your career. It was a learning experience, and I’m grateful for it.



https://punchng.com/why-i-joined-reims-ahead-of-chelsea-other-clubs-ibrahim/