I didn't play organized football until I was in the seventh grade. Up until that point, I only played at recess and in the backyard.
I began playing football on the streets.
When I enjoyed football the most was when I wasn't getting paid.
I played for the first time when I was three. My neighbour was six, and I went to train with him. But I don't have many football memories from when I was young.
I guess my earliest football memories are of playing in the street and also the little pitches at school. I joined the local football team in my village when I was small, but we would play only once or twice a week. I honed my skills just by playing for fun with friends after school.
There is a part of football I would describe as 'serious' and one part I would describe as more 'playful,' i.e. more technical.
Almost every football player played on the streets. And also, a lot of people not ending up as football players play on the streets. It's the beginning of a lot of social gathering.
I started playing football with my mates and my brothers, in the playground or the park or the front garden. It was just about enjoying it, having a good time playing. I wanted to play all the time.
Football should never be a worry. It should be exciting. When a child plays football outside, he doesn't need to worry. Professionals should be the same.
