TIME OF MY LIFE
Sancho has come a long way
SPEND some time in the company of Jadon Sancho and it can be easy to forget he is still only 18.
Only occasionally are there reminders of just how young Borussia Dortmund and England’s wonder-kid winger actually is.
Like when he says how he has done his research about the Twin Towers at the old Wembley – which shut in October 2000 just six months after he was born – ahead of his return to the rebuilt stadium tomorrow to face Tottenham in the Champions League.
Or when he describes with a youthful enthusiasm how big Dortmund are – “especially on FIFA!” – as he recalls first hearing that they wanted to sign him.
Because what stands out more than anything is that Sancho possesses a maturity beyond his years to go with all the ability that is turning him into a global star.
South London’s youngsters now also have a role model in Sancho, who grew up in Kennington.
He said. “For the kids in south London I hope I can give a positive message. I’m looking to do some interviews in schools where I can help them. I was where they are once upon a time. I think that would be nice for them to hear.”
When he does, Sancho will find out just how much hype he is generating back home.
Many of his social media clips – after every trick, assist and goal Sancho produces for Dortmund – go viral. He has caused such a stir because his progress has been spectacular, fully justifying his decision to leave City in the process.
Just 18 months after quitting the Etihad without a single senior appearance to his name, he returns to London tomorrow as one of the star attractions in Dortmund’s last-16 first-leg tie against Spurs.