Leeds United: Fans will be delighted as Archie Gray makes ‘childhood dream’ admission
Leeds United fans will be delighted after Archie Gray admitted it was his childhood dream to win the Champions League with Leeds amid rumours of a possible transfer move.
The young midfielder went on to confess he also aims to win the Ballon d’Or and captain the England national team, as he believes he has the ability to do it.
Gray has been linked with a move to Premier League sides Everton, Liverpool and Crystal Palace [Daily Mail, 10 November], but his new comments hint at a long-term future at Elland Road for the 17-year-old.
Speaking in an interview with The Guardian [8 December], Gray revealed: “My childhood dream was to win the Champions League with Leeds, captain England at senior level and win a Ballon d’Or.
“I’m still really young, so there’s a long way to go before any of that happens. But I believe I’ve got the ability to do it.”
Amid links to Premier League sides, the admission that his ultimate goal is to achieve the biggest prize in club football with Leeds will come as a huge boost to fans who may have expected his head to be turned by the bright lights of the Premier League.
That may still happen, and of course, the dreams are unrealistic, but the affinity Gray has with Leeds is not something to be overlooked when it comes to the long-term pathway for his future in the game and his loyalty to the Elland Road club.
Aiming high and having these aspirations is an important thing for any young player. That self-belief and trust in his ability, knowing that hard work will allow him to thrive and potentially reach his goals, is a crucial part of the developmental stages of his career.
Sometimes it’s difficult to remember Gray is just 17 years old. The amount of game time he has been given and the level of trust given to him by Daniel Farke speaks volumes about his talent and the high hopes Leeds have for his future.
In other Leeds United news, an exit-linked star has admitted talks were held with his agent.