Rising Nigerian forward Hafiz Ibrahim has opened up on why he turned down a move to Premier League giants Chelsea despite receiving encouragement from England international Raheem Sterling, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 19-year-old caught global attention earlier last year after netting 10 goals in just six matches at the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after young talents in Europe.
Several top clubs across the continent, including teams in Norway, were keen to secure Ibrahim’s signature.
But when Chelsea came calling, the teenager flew to London for a trial, influenced by a direct video call from Sterling.
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“Sterling is a great guy,” Ibrahim told The Punch. “He was really supportive and encouraging. He told me that Chelsea would be a great environment for me to grow and improve as a player. He also emphasised how important it was to stay focused and take advantage of the opportunity.
“It meant a lot to have someone like him, who has been at the top, believe in me. I was very close to signing, but ultimately, I decided it wasn’t the right time for me. It was a tough decision, but I think it was the right one in the long run.”
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Despite the allure of Stamford Bridge and the Premier League, Ibrahim said he opted for a more measured step in his development.
“The decision was based on a few factors — mainly, I felt that I wasn’t quite ready for such a big move,” he added.
“Chelsea is a huge club, and I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared to take on the challenge. I didn’t want to rush into anything, and I felt that I needed more time to develop.
“What I learned from the experience is that timing is everything, and it’s important to be honest with yourself about where you are in your career. It was a learning experience, and I’m grateful for it.”
Instead, Ibrahim signed with Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims, where he believes he has found the ideal environment to grow.
“Reims is a club with a great tradition and a strong focus on developing young talent, which really appealed to me,” he said.
“The coach and the staff made me feel welcomed and valued from the start. I see Reims as a place where I can grow, improve, and eventually take my game to the next level.”
Ibrahim has since scored nine goals in nine appearances for the Reims B team, while also contributing a goal and two assists in seven senior matches.