Sancho aims to be guiding light for new generation
SPEND some time in the company of Jadon Sancho and it can be easy to forget he is still only 18.
But just occasionally there are reminders of just how young is the Borussia Dortmund and England wonderboy winger.
Like when he says with a proud smile 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 journey to the new Wembley to face Tottenham in the Champions League last 16 tomorrow. Or when he talks with youthful enthusiasm of how big Dortmund are
– “on FIFA especially!” – as he recalls first hearing they wanted to sign him.
Because what stands out more is that Sancho possesses a maturity beyond his years to go with all the ability that is turning him into a global star.
So, despite his tender years, he is happy to take on the responsibility of being the trailblazer for the next generation of British footballers abroad, hopes to inspire south London’s youngsters, and appears unaffected by his new life in the football spotlight.
The first display of that came when Sancho arrived for his press day at Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park last week and, before taking his seat, made a point of going around the room and greeting each of the 20-odd people who had travelled over to see him with a handshake.
It was only a small gesture, but a big demonstration of how humble and grounded he remains despite his rapid rise to stardom.
It also underlined the maturity of the teenager who has had to grow up fast, taking the “hard” decision to move away from home three times before turning 18 for the good of his career.
Born in Camberwell, raised in Kennington, he moved to Harefield Academy boarding school while at Watford, and then Manchester to join City. They were significant steps. Joining Dortmund from City in August 2017 has been life-changing in every sense.
Knowing just how difficult it is to adapt to life abroad, he was quick to send Welsh starlet Rabbi Matondo a message of support after he followed in Sancho’s footsteps by joining Dortmund’s neighbours Schalke from City for £11million last month.
“I’m going to see him very soon, comfort him and make him feel welcome, because he won’t have his normal friends around him,” said Sancho.
“That’s what I had to go through when I first came. It hasn’t been easy. I’ve had to work for this. I’m just happy it’s all working out.
“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.
Other than seeing some of the social media clips that go viral after every trick, assist and goal Sancho produces for Dortmund – and there have been many – he said: “I’m not aware of it.”
But Dortmund are, with Sancho’s press day the biggest they have held for a player and international media. He has caused such a stir because his progress
I want to tell kids I was like them once
has been frighteningly quick, and it is exciting to see an English youngster flourishing abroad, fully justifying his decision to leave City in the process. Just 18 months after leaving the Etihad without a single senior appearance to his name, he returns to his homeland as a household name and will be one of the star attractions in Dortmund’s last-16 first-leg tie against Spurs.
“Playing in front of my family is something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a young boy,” said Sancho, who has developed a friendship with Spurs midfielder Harry Winks as a fellow England newcomer. “I would love to play in front of my home town – that’s why I can’t wait for the game.
“Everyone was messaging me saying, ‘I need a ticket!’ I have about 30. Hopefully I can show people in London what I’m about.”
The two sides renew their rivalry from last season’s competition when Spurs won both group games.
But Dortmund are stronger this season, five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
Sancho, who was ineligible for the group campaign last season, said: “I watched the games. We have improved so it won’t be the same match as last year.
“It will be more difficult for Spurs, especially as they have some big players missing out.”