Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson shares his extraordinary journey from playing barefoot football on the streets of Senegal to becoming a Premier League star. Jackson reflects on his humble beginnings in Ziguinchor, where he played with friends, often without boots due to their expense. He recalls receiving his first pair of boots at 16, a gift from his mother, and the challenges of adjusting to playing with them. The Senegalese forward talks about his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, his childhood idol, and how his mother worked tirelessly on a farm to support his football dream.

Leaving school at 16, Jackson faced skepticism from his family but remained determined to pursue a career in football. Diomansy Kamara’s discovery and a stint at Casa Sports paved the way for a move to Villarreal in Spain. Unai Emery played a crucial role in developing Jackson’s skills, leading to his £32 million transfer to Chelsea in the summer.

Despite the transition challenges, Jackson embraces the scrutiny at Chelsea, acknowledging the expectations from passionate fans. He reflects on handling criticism, drawing inspiration from Ronaldo’s response to detractors. With seven goals and seven bookings, Jackson aims to change his disciplinary record, expressing confidence in achieving his goal-scoring targets for the season.