Four-year-old Zayn Ali Salman has begun training with Arsenal FC, after the world famous football club spotted the young player while he was still in nursery school.
The London resident caught the eye of scouts while outperforming with boys much older than him at the local grass roots team, and becomes the youngest-ever recruit to the Arsenal FC pre-academy.
His talent has always been obvious.
Mr Salman says Zayn’s special ability was apparent from a young age, whether it was beginning to talk at only 8 or 9 months old, or cycling without stabilisers at the age of 3.
“He was training with much, much bigger kids. Arsenal then scouted him while he was still in nursery. That kind of set the tone, and it just went like wildfire — you know how it is with the football world. As soon as there’s a sniff of real talent, everyone’s on him.
“Obviously it’s a bit much for me as a father, but at the same time I’m loving it and taking it with a pinch of salt. It’s a long, long journey.”
After he was invited into Arsenal FC pre-academy, scouts from other London clubs contacted Mr Salman to show their interest, including Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
For now, because of Zayn’s age, no club can actually sign him, he can only train with the clubs.
Mr Salman says that although the buzz around Zayn has been amazing, they are just taking it one step at a time.
