English-based Ghanaian footballer Mohammed Salisu Abdul Karim has narrated how he started from sand pitches without boots to the bright lights of the Premier League.
Mohammed Salisu who is enjoying his career under the watch of English Premier League side Southampton recounted his saddest moments when his mother spoilt his shoe for escaping school to play football.
The 22-year-old centre-back noted that when he was a child, he always dreamt of becoming a footballer.
“I remember I used to play on the sand pitch without a shoe. When my parent told me to go to school, I also go and play football. I remember one day, my mum took my shoes and spoil them because I didn’t go to school”.
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The former WAFA and Valladolid dependable defender lamented that it is a dream come true playing in the Premier League; “one of the best leagues in the world. I will say I’m very proud of what I have achieved in my life”, he further stated.
“I remember my first-time travelling leaving my family, it was very difficult for me because I was by myself, and it wasn’t easy. My coach was serious about me, so I thought maybe this is my chance to be in Europe because in Ghana, it is difficult to get the chance to come to Europe to play football. I was thinking this is my time to travel to Europe”.
Salisu started his senior career with Valladolid, featuring for the reserve side before making his first-team debut in 2019. He amassed 34 appearances for the club before joining Southampton for a £10.9 million fee in 2020. On 12 August 2020. The English club had triggered a buyout clause in the defender’s contract, with Salisu putting pen to paper on a four-year deal. Manager Ralph Hasenhüttl hailed his new signing, saying he was a prospect who had all the qualities to come to the Premier League and help Southampton”.
Brent Kojo Amenuvor
Ewurama Acheampoma