Midfielder Mario Lemina discusses the ups and downs of his early days as a young footballer when he was trying to make his way into the game.
Who was your role model when you were growing up?
Ronald Luis Nazario. The Brazilian one. I started playing football because of him. I used to watch him a lot when I was younger and I enjoyed him a lot. I really liked the way he played and he was an important player for our community. He was amazing in the World Cup, he won two Ballon D’or, and he was just an incredible player.
Did you have a mentor who helped guide you?
I would say my mother because she used to carry the family so hard. She would never tell us if we were poor or not, and until now, she is still my role model. I love the way she took care of us when we were younger and is still taking care of us now, so I would love to just be the same as my mother.
What setbacks did you have to overcome?
Since I was young, I’ve had a lot of injuries. I had to step up all the time to try to be the best version of myself all the time. I had to work hard to be where I am right now. I’ve had knee injuries, I’ve had hamstring injuries and until three years ago, these injuries just followed me, but now I hope they’ve gone.
What was your biggest success as a young player?
I would say my first game in professional football. I was going from the under-19s straight into the professional first-team and it was a good moment for me, because when you get this call, you get feelings of being scared and nervous, but you had to be professional about it. After that game, I stepped up my level and it was crazy. A big change.
Do you have any moments you still remember from that time?
I think the day that I thought I had a big break as a young player was the day I received a letter and I could go to a professional academy. I think that letter changed my life, because I’d joined an academy late in my life, so all the young lads who were between 12 and 13 had already spent their lives in an academy, but I didn’t get there until I was about 15 or 16 years old. If I hadn’t have got the chance to go to this academy, then I was ready to give up football, and this letter made me be stronger in my head and made me believe in my dreams.
What have you learned most between then and now?
A lot of things have changed. A lot of things. When I was younger, I was more of an attacking player, I was more dribbling, skilful, powerful to go forward, but now with my experience, I have a balance and I try to hold the game more, I try to be stronger defensively, but a lot of things have changed. I have to remember that I’m not a striker and a winger – those days have gone!
This article originally featured in Wolves' official 2023/24 matchday programme. Last season's programmes are still available to purchase online through retailers Curtis Sports.
