- Nelson Semedo Childhood Determination And Aspiration Paid Off An Inspiration To Nigerian Youth
When you have a determination and aspiration to succeed in life nothing can stop you, Nelson Semendo story is an inspiration to Nigerian youths
Nélson Cabral Semedo was born on the 16th day of November 1993 to his parents
in Lisbon, Portugal.
Speaking about his origin, Semedo is the mixture of both Portuguese and Cape
Verdean heritage.
This explains the reason why the energetic player is quite close to his fellow
countryman Cristiano Ronaldo who also have Cape Verdean roots.
Nelson Semedo grew up with his beloved mother, a relatively unknown father
and a brother in the Portuguese suburb of Mira-Sintra.
Nelson since his childhood had nothing but fond memories of the time spend with
his elder brother who preferred to follow the route of rejecting soccer and the
following education up to his postgraduate.
Nelson since his childhood had nothing but fond memories of the time spend with
his elder brother who preferred to follow the route of rejecting soccer and the
following education up to his postgraduate.
Apart from him being a PlayStation addict, Nelson also got himself addicted to the
wearing FC Barcelona T-Shirt.
As at the time he decided to start playing Street Football with friends on local
pitches. At that time, it was all about street football.
I had never played for an official team. I tried a few times when I was young but I
couldn’t manage it. I started playing in the streets. said Nelson Semedo.
While most notable footballers we know today had picked up a career at
relatively young ages, Nelson Semedo became different. He continued playing
street football until he was 15, the year a Sintrense club staff saw him and took an
interest in his abilities.
Before his attempted trial at Sintrense, a club with notable standard, Semedo had
been previously told he was too small to make it. Looking at how a string of other
youngsters made it, he was able to prove that stature is no barrier if effort and
application are given in ample measure.
,Semedo’s passion for soccer in 2008 saw him passing his trials and enrolling into
the roster of local youth team Sintrense.
A local side in Portugal’s third division at that time.
Sintrense’s team management provided Nelson Semedo with a stress-free
environment which he needed to progress. Nelson Semedo started playing as a
midfield who liked playing up front and scoring goals.
Semedo’s initial progress was slow-burning with patience being his best suit.
Patience and determination within 3 years of play saw him explosively rising
above his young football ranks and getting promotion into the club’s senior team.
At this time, he got monitored by top Portuguese clubs among whom was Benfica
who acquired his services.
Sometimes, a lucky twist of fate happens in football. Nelson Semedo might not be
the best right back in the world who aspire to play for FC Barcelona.
But his
childhood determination and aspiration paid off on the 13th day of July 2017
when FC Barcelona announced his signature with the club.
“I talked with Andre about how big the club is, the good atmosphere in the locker
room and that it is really like a family” Semedo revealed upon signing. “I liked
what he told me and I’m lucky to be here to experience it with him.”
Nelson Semedo became the 12th Portuguese to turn out for the Catalan side,
following names such as Figo, Deco and Vitor Baia.
Throughout his incredible
career, he has been awarded LPFP Primeira Liga Breakthrough Player of the
Year(2016-17) and among the UEFA Champions League Breakthrough XI (2017).
Indeed, little would Nelson Semedo have imagined that some years ago, a 15
years old street footballer like him would end up at Barça. The rest, as they say, is
history.
Copyright @Pereiraoluwabimpe @Sports247
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