Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal has said he owes his fledgling career to his father’s passion for the game.
Iqbal signed his first professional contract with the Reds in April this year, the month in which he turned 18.
He told the FA: “When I was younger, I used to go to watch my dad play football, just at a local five-a-side pitch, and I just used to take shots at him.
read also:Returnee Van Dijk cautious ahead Bologna friendly
“As I grew older, I started playing more and more and joined a team called Sale United.
“I was in and around the development centres when the coach pulled me in and said I’m going to take you to The Cliff [the Reds’ former training ground]. Since then I’ve just kicked on and progressed through each age group.”
He added: “I come from such a hard-working family.
“My parents are always working hard, my brother, my grandparents. When we came to this country, they all inspired me to give my best at everything I do.”