_Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre._
_Marcell Washington spoke to us recently about his experience with a famous footballing father and training with our first team._
I grew up in Cambridge, and the first team I played for was Leatherhead Football Club when I was around 12 years old, so I actually started playing football quite late. Growing up, I was always surrounded by the game. My brother really influenced my love for football. We would often go outside to play together and that's where my passion naturally developed.
When I was younger, I was much more of a football fan than a supporter of one particular team. I enjoyed watching whichever sides played good football. In terms of players, I looked up to Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar.
Back in my Sunday League days, I played as a left winger, right winger or number 10, positions that allowed me to express myself in the attacking third.
My journey took a big step forward when I was scouted by Chelsea at an 8-a-side tournament hosted by Walton & Hersham. I was supposed to go for my trial at 13, but it was postponed until a year later. On my 14th birthday, I eventually want to the trial, and after about eight weeks, Chelsea offered me a two-year deal.
It was an incredible moment that marked the start of my academy journey. My dad reminded me not to get complacent, to stay humble, keep my head down, and work hard. The biggest highlight from my time there was my overall progression and the opportunities I received, including my England call-ups.
I faced a tough spell transitioning from scholar to under-18s football after suffering a knee cartilage injury that kept me out for about a year. Mentally, it was challenging. But in my second year as a scholar, Arsenal showed interest and invited me for a two-week trial, and after those two weeks, they extended my trial to the end of the season.
> "Watching how they do the basics at such a high level is inspiring because that is where I want to be"
The club saw something in me, liked my reliability, and wanted to sign me permanently in the summer; that led to my first professional contract, which was a massive moment, especially after the struggles I faced a year before.
Having my dad, Ryan Bertrand, as both a father and a former professional footballer, has been invaluable. He has done so much for me, not just in football but as a person. He regularly analyses my games and shares small but important insights to help me improve.
Hearing his stories about playing in the Premier League and winning the Champions League is incredibly inspiring. That is the level I aspire to reach, and hopefully even surpass one day.
I have also had the chance to train with our first team, and the players have been so welcoming. People like Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, along with many others, are top professionals. Watching how they do the basics at such a high level is inspiring because that is where I want to be.
My goal for the rest of the season is to keep playing, keep improving and prove my worth to the club. Ultimately, I want to make my first-team debut; that is what I am pushing for every day.
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