Despite Growing Up In A Tough Neighbourhood He Turns Out To Be A
Successful Footballer An Inspiration To Nigerian Youths
Ferland Mendy was born on the 8th day of June 1995 to African parents in the
commune of Meulan-en-Yvelines, north-central France. His birthplace is similar to
that of Abdoulaye Doucoure, his fellow French international and NOT that of
Benjamin Mendy who many fans assume is his brother or family member.
Ferland was born into a modest family. Judging from his looks, you could easily
guess that his parents are of African origin- that’s true.
Ferland grew up in a tough neighbourhood. There were no toys or games when
he was younger, just a football or anything he could transform into the shape of a
soccer ball.
More so, emptiness ended in him when there was football right at his
feet.
At first, Mendy became grounded by his mum due to excessive football.
Thankfully, she later realized playing football was her son’s destiny.
Even Ferland
Mendy’s cousin Marc Gomis once explained how Mendy was like growing up.
In
his words;
“He always had football inside him. Although he was small BUT was always
tough.”
Before taking soccer as his profession, his Childhood friend Mangane Yaya once
recalled that Mendy used to shout “Speed, Speed” as he ran away from defenders
while playing as a youngster.
As a child, all Ferland Mendy wanted was to become a professional footballer. He
had so much determination and hunger that anyone who knew him back then
could see it in his eyes.
Such determination saw him getting invited for trials.
Mendy’s passion for soccer saw him passing trials and enrolling at the local club,
Ecquevilly EFC who allowed him to showcase his talent and career foundation.
Thanks to his speed, Ferland started as a striker. He was quick to make an
impression with the club, a feat which attracted Paris Saint Germain.
At the age of 9 in the year 2004, Ferland Mendy got accepted by a Paris Saint-
Germain Academy.
While at the club, his coach transformed him into a left-back.
Even as a left-back, Ferland didn’t fancy players like Ashley Cole, Philip Lahm,
Roberto Carlos and Paolo Maldini. All he did was to emulate his hero- no other
than the great Ronaldinho.
While playing for Mantios 78, Mendy got noticed by Le Havre, who signed him in
June 2013.
Signing for the club was a step up for the teenager, who saw a better
platform to showcase his craft and become a professional.
While in his professional career at Le Havre, Ferland Mendy’s progress didn’t go
unnoticed by top French clubs. He was observed by Olympique Lyon who snapped
him up on a five-year deal for just five million euros in June 2017.
At the club, Ferland immediately started making sporting headlines. He became
one of the best attack-minded left-back in Europe, one who fits very much into
the style of a modern-day full-back.
Copyright: @Sports247 @Pereiraoluwabimpe
