"There were times my mum had to throw me over the fence to go and train because I didn't want to, not for fear of playing football, just fear of the environment. She likes to remind me every now and then if I'm trying to be a tough guy!

"It was incredible, playing there from eight until I made my debut 20. It's my club, I don't have another club like it - I feel like it's my home. An incredible family environment there, I only have good memories.

"The first couple of years weren't easy, especially the language barrier (but) I just became one of them."