Southend United forward Simeon Akinola talks us through his football memories
First game you watched live?
It wasn’t very high-profile, but the game that sticks out in my head was when I was about seven, and I went to watch my older brother play for the Atletico Madrid academy. I lived there as a kid and he scored five goals in the game, and I can honestly say that match is why I became so determined to make it in the game. One of the first big games I went to in the UK was Tottenham against Leicester in 2015, and Harry Kane scored a hat-trick.
First football hero?
That was Adriano, when he was at Inter Milan. I remember watching him play against Valencia and he did a roulette and then nutmegged someone, which was amazing. He was the guy I wanted to be like growing up, and I always looked up to him. Right now, I enjoy watching Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, because they’re up there with the best in terms of their movement.
First football boots?
I got a pair of Lottos when I was about nine, and I remember them really well. They were the cheapest ones I could get at the time but if I could I’d probably get them again just for the nostalgic value.
First kit?
I had an Adriano one that I loved, around 2006 or 2007. We didn’t have a lot growing up in
Spain, and while all the kids had football shirts,
I’d never had that chance. It meant everything to me and I wore it all the time. It was the classic black and blue Inter Milan shirt and it’s something I’ll always remember.
First professional game?
My first game in senior football was for Boreham Wood against Bishop’s Stortford. I started up front, and I was still getting used to the physicality of men’s football. I ran a lot but I’m not sure how effective I was! My first game in the Football League was for Barnet against Plymouth in January 2017. We won
1-0, Mauro Vilhete scored a header and I remember it was the biggest crowd
I’d played in front of at the time. It was amazing to finally make it to that level, and the experience of that day is something I’ll always cherish.
First professional goal?
I think my first goal for Boreham Wood was against Eastbourne Borough, in the bottom corner with my left foot. My first goal for Barnet came a couple of months after my debut, in a 2-2 draw against Crawley. It was an unreal goal! I remember Jamal Campbell-Ryce had the ball on the left, and then I got away from my marker in the box and managed to pull off a reverse bicycle kick. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the ball go in. I think it was nominated for goal of the
month.
First red card?
That was in my fifth game for Barnet, against Carlisle away.
The defender was clearing the ball and I was closing him down, and the ref thought my foot was too high in the follow through. I thought it was a bit ridiculous, but I learnt from it.