Eric Bailly, Manchester United star, has recounted his grass-to-grace story, giving an emotional glimpse into his steady rise from being a street urchin selling cigarette to survive in Abidjan to a Man United player.
The 25-year-old star, who was born in Côte d’Ivoire from poor parents in Bingerville, humbly recounted how his less-privileged background almost shattered his football career.
The Ivorian moved from Africa to Spain after he was spotted by Espanyol's Emilio Montagut following an impressive performance during a youth tournament in Burkina Faso organised by Spanish company Promoesport.
He sealed a La Liga switch to Villareal after a year with the Catalan side, making 35 appearances.
The towering defender would later make a move to Premier League , Manchester United, in 2016 and has since risen to a popular figure among fans both in his home country and abroad.
Speaking with The Flight in a bare-it-all-interview, the Ivorian international recounted how his life changed within a span of five years.
"In about five years I had gone from selling cigarettes in the streets of Abidjan to playing for the biggest club in the world," Bailly said.
"When I was nine I was going to school and playing football in the streets like most boys. I was also helping my mother, Appoline, with various things around the house," he continued.
