Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir admits he owes his career choice thanks to his Mum.
Bayindir joined United over the summer from Fenerbahce and recalled how came to becoming a goalkeeper when a junior.
He said on the UTD Podcast: “In the garden, I never played in the goalkeeper position. I was always a striker, really
“My first position was defender, then striker. Then it's a different story, I need to say this.
“When I was playing for Bursaspor, my first club when I was younger, I'm a defender. One day, the goalkeeper didn't come for training.
“The manager said: 'Altay you are tall. Go, but enjoy. You can play in this position. Go in goal.'
“'No coach, I want to play striker, or defender'. [He said:] 'No, let's try.'
“I felt good, I'm jumping and the ball is coming, everyone is saying: 'Yes, Altay!'
“I would watch every game, every player [would be] in the same shirt, but the goalkeeper is different, [he's in a] different colour. It feels good. The ball is coming and if you are catching it, you are a hero. If a penalty is saved, [your team-mates say:] 'Yes you did it!'"
He continued: “I spoke with my mum in the kitchen and she is working, cooking.
“I spoke with her.
“'Mother, what do you think for my position? I can play striker or I can play in goal.'
“She doesn't know too much [about football], but she knows because she's watching sometimes, we're watching games every night on TV.
“She says: 'You can do [the] goalkeeper position, it's better for you I think. You're tall. Don't run too much, everybody is running!'
“So thank you to my mum for everything, for this information. I love my position of course, it's very different and difficult, of course.
“But it's a good feeling when I'm catching the ball and everyone is with me."