Chelsea's Madueke on his career: "I just wanted to be a footballer"

Noni Madueke was signed by Chelsea in the January transfer window to strengthen the squad. The English striker played for PSV but decided to return to his homeland.

The 21-year-old gave an interview to his current club's press to talk about his past and his early days as a footballer: "I knew I wanted to be a footballer when I was six or seven. I think it just came from being a kid and falling in love with the game of football, and then recognising that you’re actually good at it.

"I got scouted playing for my local team. It was in a tournament and I didn’t even play that well, to be fair. But the scout said I was extremely agile, had really good balance, was quick with an eye for goal. I went to Crystal Palace and did a trial for a week or two and that was it. I got signed and that was the start of my journey," he continued.

"It was tough. I used to drive all the way over there and get back really late. It was about an hour and a half to get there from where I lived. It was tough but when you’re a kid like that and you can play for an academy in a Championship or Premier League club, I didn’t mind at all. I just wanted to be a footballer.

"At that age you think you’re a professional football player and it’s just a dream come true. I remember being so excited for the trial and going there I realised I was actually good, I could play there. I think I realised I could be a professional footballer between the ages of 13 and 16," Madueke added.

"When I was about 15 or 16, that was it, I knew I’d be a professional footballer. I just thought it was impossible that I would not be a professional footballer! You need to be humble, of course, but also a good type of confidence to know that you’re good enough. I feel like you need that to be able to confidently show all your ability," he concluded.