Brentford striker Yoane Wissa thought he was destined for career in police before shooting to Premier League stardom
YOANE Wissa thought he would be a policeman tackling crime rather than Premier League opponents when he was growing up.
The 28-year-old has formed a lethal partnership with Bryan Mbeumo, and together they’ve made up for the loss of England forward Ivan Toney.
GettyYoane Wissa thought he was destined to become a policeman[/caption]
GettyWissa has scored 14 goals this season[/caption]
GettyWissa while on loan at AC Ajaccio from Angers in 2017[/caption]
Wissa has scored 14 goals for Thomas Frank’s side this season, who are 11th in the table and in with a shout of European football next season.
Speaking exclusively to Sun Sport, Wissa said he initially thought he’d be “just another guy on the street”.
The Brentford star, who was born in northern France to Congolese parents, said: “When I was growing up, I really just expected to be a random guy, maybe a policeman. Why not?
“But once I saw the small light that I could be here, I took it. I know it sounds crazy when I say that to people, but the truth is I’m not the most talented guy.
“What keeps me going is that I love to work hard, and I guess I’m not doing too bad.”
Wissa started out as a goalkeeper and progressed into midfield before settling as a forward who can play in various positions across the front line.
The striker, who came through the ranks at Chateauroux before moves to Angers and Lorient and eventually Brentford for around £8million in 2022, added: “The first time I really thought I could be good at football was when I was 16.
“Then I went to the academy, so you see, I went there at 16, which is considered late because most of the others were around 14.
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“But then I started to feel that there could be something for me here.
“Some will say it’s a dream come true, but if I’m being honest, it wasn’t even my dream because I didn’t expect to be a footballer.
“So I don’t take that for granted, if you know what I mean. I didn’t expect to be here, and now I’m here with Thomas and the guys.
“I just work hard, and that’s why when I speak, I do so with a smile.”
Since the departure of Toney to Saudi Arabia, Wissa and Mbeumo have become the face of Brentford.
They are the most lethal duo in the Premier League this season, with a combined 28 top-flight goals for the Bees.
Asked what makes playing together with Mbeumo so smooth, he said: “He’s a top player, so that is the first thing that makes it very easy.
“What I do is try to help him. I make sure to position myself in a way that if he needs me, I’ll be there. It also helps that we’ve played together for a while.”
But it’s not just Mbeumo that Wissa gets along with easily.
ReutersWissa and Bryan Mbeumo have become the face of Brentford[/caption]
As the interview continues, manager Frank comes by to pat him on the back, and I asked what the Brentford manager is like behind the scenes.
His response gives an indication of the strong bonds within the club.
He said: “Listen, Thomas is a friend. That’s what he’s good at – he’s a guy who is open to talk, and everyone loves him.
“He’s always positive, not just in the good times, and this is why it’s very good for us.
“But I have to say this, it’s easier to speak to someone who is always playing, but he also likes to make sure people who feel a bit isolated are taken care of.
“That, for me, is also very crucial. So, if I can say something about him, Thomas Frank is just a friend to us.”
Back in Congo, fans gather around viewing centres to watch Wissa play, and some say they wish he could move to a bigger club and possibly play in some of the top European competitions. They may get their wish as far as Europe is concerned soon, at least.
But, he says, even though he’s aware of the perks of doing well, he’s the kind of person who thinks more about the team, given that he didn’t even think getting this far was possible at the beginning.
He added: “Of course, I’m settled in the Premier League, and everyone knows that I can score goals, but also, everyone wants to continue to do better for themselves.
“Now I’m in Brentford, and for me, I always think about the team. I’m hoping I can help the team take the next step, and by doing so, I’ll also do well for myself too.”
PAThe feeling is good at Brentford at the moment[/caption]
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