Manchester City title winner Jack Grealish admits he rejected Manchester United as a junior player.
Grealish, 25, signed for Aston Villa aged seven before officially joining the under-10s three years later.
But rather than exclusively playing for the academy, he continued to turn out for Sunday League team Highgate United.
And after impressing in a tournament United came knocking, along with other Premier League teams.
Grealish recalled the story, speaking to THE FACE magazine: “You're not actually meant to go back and play with your old team, but they were doing a little tour down in Devon and we played against some team in the group stages. We won 4-0 and I scored all four.
“That was when people were like: 'OK, this kid's good.'
“Then I got scouted by other teams like Man United, West Brom and Birmingham City. But [at] those times I was contracted to Villa, so I shouldn't have been playing.
"When they came up to my dad, he'd have to give a fake name!"
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!