By Meet Micheal Obafemi, Second Youngest Player To Ever Play For Southampton
Micheal Oluwadurotimi Obafemi on Sunday became the second youngest player to make a Premier League appearance for Southampton.
He made his professional debut as a substitute in the 82nd minute of a 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur on January 21st, 2018. As at the date, Micheal was aged 17years and 199days old behind Luke Shaw, who was 17years and 116days old when he first played in the English Premier League.
Speaking after the match, Micheal who had a close chance from Dusan Tadic’s late cross disclosed that he was very nervous to be on the pitch, but the warm welcome from the supporters helped to calm him down. He also revealed that he reached the club on Saturday with the mindset of playing with the UI18s, only to be stopped by the Manager, who informed he will be playing in the League.
“I am very thankful to all the staff and club for helping to make this happen,” he said.
“I came in yesterday thinking that I would be playing for the U18s. The manager stopped me and said that I would be training instead and would maybe be in the first-team squad; it was confirmed later on in the afternoon!”
For Obafemi, this important step marks just the beginning of his Saints journey.
“I can’t stop here, this is just the start of what I hope is my career.” he concluded. “When the chance came, I should have used my left foot but I hope I will get another opportunity to prove I can make it at this level.
“I was nervous but the welcome from the supporters was brilliant and the senior guys told me to just relax and prove myself. I want to move on from here and keep working hard.”
Micheal Oluwadurotimi Obafemi, born on 6th July, 2000 is an Irish professional footballer who started his career at Leyton Orient in 2016, from where he moved to Southampton in 2017. He became the second youngest player to play in England’s top flight League for the Saints after he was introduced in the 82nd minute of League clash with Spurs.
