The 19-year old Gambian recently granted an interview to Italian paper GianlugaDimarzio.com in which he talked about his journey and life since arriving in Italy by sea.
“I played in the fifth division for two months and then I met an Italian agent who moved me from there straight to the semi-professional level for trials. The trial was supposed to be a week but I signed in three days,” Jawo told The Standard.
“I’ve always wanted to play football, but football in The Gambia is not progressing too far, so I decided to come here,” he said. “Like everyone else, I paid for the boat trip and knew it was dangerous, but if you want something in life you should take risks.”
And so last January, Jawo landed in Sicily: “I spent two months in the centre of Syracuse, then moved to the centre of Cagliari Elmas. And in Sardinia I started to show everyone my talent. I did some training and the camp director wanted me in a team of first class, but I could not because I was undocumented so I started to play in the amateur championships with Roman Cafe in Sestu.”
According to the paper, Jawo played very well and struck 20 goals in just over a dozen games. The four letters of his last name start spinning in the world of observers, getting him to be contracted by Savona, Lega Pro.
After some try-outs, he joined FC Vado, waiting for the paperwork from The Gambia. Meanwhile, Lamin is regarded as a lion in the friendlies. His coach Peter Buttu said: “Great technique, great speed and imposing physique. He has many qualities, certainly we’ll bet on him. “But he was especially struck by his humanity and sweetness, before a great footballer he is an amazing guy.”
The 19-year old is determined to pursue his dream. “Here I am very well, I have been received wonderfully and I feel absolutely like home at Vado.
“I played well in games and I still have time and I can do even better. I’m waiting for my moment and working hard with the team.”
Now Lamin hopes that his mother, two sisters and brother in The Gambia will soon be able to see him on TV, in a great team, “I always dreamed of playing in Serie A, maybe in Juventus…” His journey has just begun.
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