Algerian full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri is the latest Wolves star to discusses the early days of his footballing career.
Who was your role model when you were growing up?
When I was young, I watched a lot of Marcelo at Real Madrid. For me, he’s the best left-back of our time, he’s very good, very technical. With the ball, he has a lot of ability. I liked him.
Did you have a mentor who helped guide you?
I would say my father or my brother. They were with me every time, following me everywhere when I was young. When I played away from home, my father and brother came every time. They pushed me to be a professional and gave me advice.
What setbacks did you have to overcome?
When I signed my first professional contract, it was hard because I injured my adductor and every time when I saw partners playing football, enjoying it, I was sad because you can’t do anything when you’re injured. Every time you come in in the morning, you’re with the physio and they have processes to do.
What was your biggest success as a young player?
I would say my first contract or my first game as a professional. I was very young, 16, and I played against PSG and Mbappe and Neymar in my first game. I was very happy and very proud because every sacrifice I did when I was young to be a professional footballer, it paid off. When my family watched me on TV, for my mother it was very emotional. I was very proud.
Do you have any moments you still remember from that time?
My first football memory was with my best friend. We live in the same area and every day after school we played football. We enjoyed it because there isn’t a pressure – you play because you like football.
What have you learned most between then and now?
We need to enjoy football because it’s a pleasure, we play because we love football. I work hard for these moments, when I came to the Premier League, I was 19, and you come into the best league in the world. I work hard, I listen to every coach, and now I’m here and I’m very, very happy.
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.
