I do not even know where to begin this story. The last few weeks have been crazy. Honestly, anything can happen in life with just a flip of a switch. There is so many things that can change in a month or even a week. I cannot even imagine I would be moving to a new country this early. The fact that I was at my low point of my football journey made this move more shocking. From being dropped to the 2nd squad in my team to signing a contract with a 2nd division club in a new country. I know it is a massive jump but God has been faithful I really owe this to Him since I never expecting this opportunity to come my way this soon.
A plan in the summer
Honestly this is a big risk to take, but I realised in life you have to take risks otherwise you would stayed in the same place. I have tried my best in Wales and I believe it’s time for a new chapter. The visa issue I had in Wales somehow hindered myself to progress higher in the football ladder. Regardless, I learned so much and realised that there is more than just what I can do on the pitch. Off the pitch stuff like visa and politics are part of the game too. Knowing that, I had to plan a move to another country where the visa is lenient enough so that I can maximise my potential.
Originally I had planned a move to another European country in the summer for some trials with a few football clubs there. I had been preparing myself physically, mentally and financially to make this move happen. Basically I had planned everything. What I am about to tell you will show the importance of networking. A guy who I met through football in 2020 offered me another opportunity in another country. For context, I met him when I was trialling for a 4th division team based in Wales and he saw me as a decent player. Ever since then we have been in touch and had several group sessions. At some point, he had to go to another part of the UK and basically we kind of only been in touch over the social media. The point is you have to treat other people the way you want to be treated.
Life is about taking risks
Now back to the actual story. As a side note, I injured my ankle in team training and I was still recovering. So when this guy offered an opportunity to move, I was anxious since I am not fully recovered yet. Also, even though I have done it couple times moving to a new country is never easy. Nevertheless, he told me that he would helped and get it sorted once I am there. I spoke to my family afterwards to discuss and weigh up the options. At this point, I was thinking about my job, my rent, my actual plan, personal belongings etc. Not going to lie, I lost focus and had to remind myself what I actually want in life.
Afterwards I sent the guy my CV and highlight video. He said it was good and he just asked me to pack my stuff for a trial period of 1 week. It was a crazy day for me when I think about it to this moment. It literally happened very quick. The next day, I booked my flight ticket and my accommodation. I packed my stuff that only lasts for 1 week. This was on Thursday and my flight was meant to be on Saturday.
I tried to prepare as best as I can whilst also making sure I recover properly. Saturday finally came and I had to leave early since my flight is at mid day in other part of the UK. During the journey it felt surreal, I could not believe I made this happen. I felt it was a good timing to take this risks, since lowkey I started to feel complacent at where I was. The flight went smoothly and I arrived in this new country at midnight local time. The guy welcomed me and from then on everything went well.
Recovery period
As I have mentioned, I came here with an injury. So I did not jump straight into trial session with the team. The guy referred me to a sports doctor who have worked with professional clubs here. The recovery went well and my body got better rather quicker than it was planned. For now, it is a matter of waiting game and letting my body heal. I have been doing my rehab and doing some movement on my feet to accelerate the healing process.
In fact, I have been doing fascia exercises to maintain my foot functionality which progressively helped my injury. I would always go outside in the morning for an hour to get the sun exposure whilst doing the fascia exercises. Being barefoot and walking on a concrete every day definitely improve my contact point with the ground. Eventually this will lead to a higher performance on the pitch.
To sum it up, I am honestly pleased I took this risk of moving to a new country to continue my journey. I have no idea what is going to happen ahead but I know God holds my future and so I surrender it to Him. Faith aside, I just trying to have a positive mindset even though there are times where all the negative thoughts start to creep in. This is where mental toughness will play a massive role. I guess this will be a matter of waiting and being patience, therefore, I will keep you updated with it. Have a blessed day and take it easy!
