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Nigerian eligible player Hafiz Ibrahim revealed why he rejected an offer from Premier League club Chelsea, even after receiving encouragement from England's Raheem Sterling.
Ibrahim attracted interest from many top clubs across the continent, including those in Norway and the Premier League.
The 19-year-old quickly garnered global attention and became one of Europe's most sought-after young talents.
The forward scored 10 goals in six matches at Italy's prestigious Viareggio Cup early last year.
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Hafiz speaks on rejecting Cheslea
Sterling's direct video call influenced the teenager to fly to London for a trial when Chelsea came calling but later rejected a move to the Blues.
Speaking with the Punch, he said, “Sterling is a great guy. He was really supportive and encouraging. He told me that Chelsea would be a great environment for me to grow and improve as a player.
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“He also emphasised how important it was to stay focused and take advantage of the opportunity. It meant a lot to have someone like him, who has been at the top, believe in me.
“I was very close to signing, but ultimately, I decided it wasn’t the right time for me. It was a tough decision, but I think it was the right one in the long run.”
Ibrahim chose a more gradual approach to his development rather than the immediate attraction of Stamford Bridge and the Premier League.
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He added, “The decision was based on a few factors — mainly, I felt that I wasn’t quite ready for such a big move.
“Chelsea is a huge club, and I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared to take on the challenge. I didn’t want to rush into anything, and I felt that I needed more time to develop.
“What I learned from the experience is that timing is everything, and it’s important to be honest with yourself about where you are in your career. It was a learning experience, and I’m grateful for it.”
Ibrahim has scored nine goals in nine games for the Reims B team. He has also scored one goal and provided two assists in seven matches for the senior team.
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