Manchester City star Bernardo Silva admits there were doubts he'd make it as a pro when a junior player.
Bernardo is now regarded as among the best players in the world.
But he told City's website: "There were doubts because between the ages of 13 and 18 I was on the bench a lot. Benfica wanted to loan me to a smaller club in Lisbon. I was smaller, thinner and slower than the other players.
"Then I fought and did my best to move forward. I got inspiration because there was that team at Barcelona with Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, Pedro. They do it, I can do it too. Even with David Silva at City, when you're younger you try to grasp these hopes.
"From the moment I signed my first professional contract," he continued, "I started playing again. I moved to Monaco and I thought I was at a good level and I started to believe that I could reach that very good level.
"I never gave up because it was my dream, but when people doubt you at 14, you have doubts. I couldn't expect to achieve what I have done so far and I am very satisfied with my career so far."
