By John Essien
Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen has revealed how he struggled to survive before becoming a professional footballer.
The 22-year-old, who is currently enjoying a good run at Napoli, narrated how he took up menial jobs like cleaning gutters, fetching water to eke out a living.
“Most people are familiar when I say this because they have come through even worse [situations] than mine and where I grew up, nothing is promised there because whatever you want to get, you have to work so hard for it,” he said as quoted by Head Topics.
“I remember when I was growing up, I was cleaning the gutters for 20 Naira, for my landlord and did some cleaning jobs for my neighbours close to my house, fetch water for 80 Naira, I think.
“I found pleasure in doing these things because I believed when I worked so hard to get this money, it was important for me. I had consciousness on how to spend this money and help my family.
“While growing up, my brother was selling newspapers, my sister oranges. I was in the traffic with water and I’d had to chase cars, give them water to get the money. I feel like these struggles helped me in life.
“I am grateful for where I am today because of what I’d been through, it shaped me into the man I am. I am really grateful to God for that,” he added.
On his journey to stardom, the former Lille striker said: “It all started like a dream, a boyhood dream from the slum and I feel like I have achieved this feat, it’s one of my biggest achievements in life.”
Osimhen endured a disappointing debut season for the Partenopei, but soon found his scoring boot with seven goals in eight appearances across all competition so far this campaign.
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