Each week, we'll be introducing you to a promising product of the Academy of Football - in their words.
From early beginnings in Dagenham and the down-low on his team-mates, to his idols and love of Caribbean cuisine, meet 19-year-old striker Sean Adarkwa...
My Roots
The first football team I ever played for was a side in Dagenham, where I’m from, called Cobra FC. I joined them when I was eight, and it wasn’t long after that I went on trial at West Ham. It’s quite funny actually because I didn’t get in, but I went on trial again at 11 after I was scouted playing for my district, and I’ve been at the club ever since!
My brother was my footballing role model. From a young age he was so self-disciplined. He taught me to play football as well. We played outside our house, and I used to nag him to play with me all the time.
I haven’t always been a striker. I spent some time playing on the left wing at U14s. I didn’t move back to striker until U16 level, but since then I’ve always played up top.
There are a lot of challenges when you grow up as a young footballer. Injuries are huge, and it’s important not to get distracted. You find that, growing up, a lot of things are given to you, so it’s easy to become complacent. I try and stay focused on my goals at all times, and by staying focused, I don’t forget why I want to play football.
My Inspirations
Thierry Henry was my idol growing up. I never really used to watch him, but since he finished playing, I’ve gone back and watched all his clips on YouTube. My brother was a big fan of his as well – he was just a natural goalscorer who’d do anything to put the ball in the net.
An individual performance that stands out to me is probably Zinedine Zidane against Brazil in the 2006 World Cup. Zidane made some of the best players in the world look average that day. I remember watching it and being amazed at just how good he was.
My Teammates
My closest friend in the U23s squad is probably Manny Longelo. I’ve known him since we were both at primary school. He’s from Barking, so sort of my area, and our families get along really well. We see a lot of each other off the pitch as well.
Jeremy Ngakia has the most natural talent in the squad. You can tell that he’s still quite raw and spent a lot of time playing cage football because he’s got all the tricks. Flip-flaps, ball-rolls – you name it, and Jeremy can do it.
We’ve got a couple of practical jokers in the squad to be fair. Joseph Anang is always making us all laugh. He’s just himself and he does all sorts of random stuff that makes everyone laugh. He’s great.
When we go away, it seems I’m always the last one on the coach, so I’d say I take the longest to get ready. After a long game I’m just tired, so I tend to keep everybody waiting – I lose track of time and all of a sudden, I’m the only one left in the changing room!
FIFA, Films & Food
I haven’t really played FIFA in a while, but PSG are my go-to team. All of the attackers are fast and that’s all that you need. They’ve all got skills as well, so I always use them.
I only got my PS4 towards the end of last year, so I haven’t had a chance to play against all of the boys just yet. Louie Watson is always bragging about how good he is; I need to play him and see what he’s all about. When I’m not playing FIFA I quite like Grand Theft Auto, but I don’t play anything else really.
I’ve been watching the TV series Power, but my favourite is Top Boy. Game of Thrones is another one that I really enjoyed – you never knew what was going to happen. I hated the ending, but so did everyone!
My favourite film is called Get Rich or Die Tryin’, about 50 Cent. It’s all about his life and the struggles that he went through – it’s a really interesting biopic.
J Hus is my favourite music artist at the moment. He’s from Newham and that’s kind of near me. To see someone come from Newham and turn into a global star is mad.
My go-to cheat meal is a lamb patty from the One Love Caribbean shop. I’ll get that with a Ribena or something! I’m also a big fan of Nando’s; I change my order quite a lot, but I like the Sunset Burger or the chicken thighs – they’re the best.
