Badou Ndiaye has reflected on his 'long' journey to the English Premier League after joining Stoke City in the January transfer window.
The Senegal international joined the Potters for € 16 million from Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray and made his first appearance against Bournemouth where he contributed an assist.
And after seeing his move to the bet365 Stadium materialised, he has revealed how he started his humble career combining football with studying law.
“When I was 13 I left my home to go to an academy, from there I studied and I was practising football as well,” Ndiaye told Stoke Sentinel.
“I went to Norway in 2012 and from there we know how it goes, I went to Turkey and there here I am.
“I was a law student in Senegal but I always knew that football was my vocation, I knew I wanted to be a football player and I never gave up that dream. Of course, school was important too and I don’t regret anything that has happened to get to this point.
“I think I have learned something everywhere I’ve been. And now I’m in the Premier League I’m very happy. It was a long way to get here and there is a still a long way to go. I’m very happy but I know the hard work never stops.”
The 27-year-old has made two appearances this season for Paul Lambert’s men and will be hoping to help his side who are in the relegation zone avoid the drop.