Tammy Abraham hails family and says he feels like a FIFA 17 footballer

Tammy Abraham was signed by Bristol City from Chelsea on loan in the summer after manager Lee Johnson made the case to his family that he would develop at the club. He has since gone on to receive an England Under-21 call-up after scoring 13 goals in 26 appearances in all competitions.

The 19-year-old striker has immediately become an important player for the Championship side and has drawn comparisons with both Marcus Rashford and FIFA 17's The Journey mode protagonist, Alex Hunter, a wonderkid who gamers can lead to the pinnacle of football.

Meanwhile, back at Chelsea, Antonio Conte has gone on to praise the forward after witnessing his form, but Abraham has opened up about the influence his dad and family who are still heavily involved in football are having on his fledgling career.

"I turned professional at 17 and signed my contract and they picked me up at the age of seven," Abraham told Goal. "I got to play in school teams and my local team, Bruins FC in London, when I was growing up. 

"I experienced different types of football. I scored lots of goals but we didn't really have any position as everyone just played everywhere! Bruins is where I got scouted from. 

"[My family] still try to attend every single game. It is great to have their support. My dad talks to me after each game. It is important and it is good to have that support.”

Abraham's 15-year-old brother, Timmy, plays for Charlton Athletic in London and the Bristol City forward loved growing up in a football-mad family and around football loving friends. 

"I have seen Timmy play so many times," he continued. "We have always been playing against each other. Yes, it is a learning thing; we watch, we talk and we develop. It is a family thing.

"He has got a few similarities to me. He is a confident striker, he is confident in the way he plays and I really enjoy watching him. It is something to be thankful for, I love football. 

"Even in secondary school, you are the professional footballer and you play with your mates who aren't professional footballers and that keeps you grounded. 

"You know the opportunity you have been given and you need to keep going and take it.”

Abraham made his senior Chelsea debut last season with then-manager Guus Hiddink using him off the bench against both Liverpool and Leicester City in the final two games of the season. 

He admitted that he feels a bit like FIFA 17's Hunter and is thankful that the comparisons mean that he is able to play as a striker in front of 27,000 fans every week at Ashton Gate.

"I am a FIFA player and being compared to Alex Hunter is a good thing for me,” added Abraham. “I find it motivating really, to see how our paths are similar. You don't get recognition if you don't give your all out on the pitch. 

"Yes, you have to reflect positively on yourself and it helps you realise where you are at. It settles you down and gives you a level head. So many people want to be professional footballers and when you have the chance you just have to use it and take it. Keep going and motivating yourself.

"It has been a great journey so far. It is a new experience for me, playing in front of so many people and seeing how games can just change and how points mean everything. It is a big experience for me but it is something I have to get my head around and keep learning about.”

To find out more about EA SPORTS FIFA 17 The Journey and to live your Alex Hunter story, head to  https://www.easports.com/uk/fifa/the-journey .