Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has reflected on his remarkable rise from playing barefoot football in Senegal to becoming one of the Premier League’s exciting young forwards.
Growing up in difficult circumstances, Jackson spent part of his childhood in both Senegal and The Gambia, where access to proper football equipment was a luxury. Softfootball gathers the 23-year-old shared his inspiring story during an interview with Showmax, revealing the sacrifices he made while pursuing his dream.
Recalling those early days, Jackson said:
We didn’t have original boots because it’s too expensive, so normally I played with my school shoes or barefoot because my family didn’t want me to play. They didn’t just want me to waste my time playing football because it’s too difficult to be successful in football in Senegal.
The Senegal international also addressed comparisons with Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, insisting he still has plenty to achieve before mentioning himself alongside the club icon.
I don’t compare myself with anyone because I haven’t reached the level of a Drogba as yet. Didier is a legend in Africa and a legend at Chelsea. I haven’t won anything yet,
Jackson added.
