Calvin Bassey has opened up on his journey to professional football as the defender revealed that he failed trials at Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic.
In a documentary aired on ESPN Netherlands, Saturday, the Ajax defender revealed that he also had trails with Southampton but failed to make an impression before finally sealing a move to Leicester City following a successful trial.
After Five years with Leicester, the defender sealed a move to Rangers and after helping the Scottish side to the Premiership title in his first season, they also reached the Europa League final.
The following season – before sealing another high profile move to Ajax last summer for a club record fee – the team won the Scottish Cup.
Bassey pointed at the need to give his family a better life as his motivation for going pro, and after a tough start to his Ajax campaign, the defender has vowed to lay down his head to learn the Ajax style and complete his adaptation to the club.
“I remember when I was on my way to Southampton. I went wherever I could smell professional football. I’ve been rejected by a lot of professional clubs.
“I hate to say it, but sometimes I feel like I wanted to play football because I knew it would give my family a better life and they would experience more happiness than a life without football.”
