Raheem Sterling, the revered England star, owes much of his success on the football field to the unwavering support of his sister, Lakima. From a young age, Lakima dedicated herself to Raheem’s football journey, ensuring he had the opportunity to shine. Her selflessness and sacrifice have played a significant role in shaping the football superstar that Sterling is today.
A Family’s Dedication
At the age of 17, Lakima took on the responsibility of accompanying Raheem to his football training every day. Their mother, Nadine Clarke, worked tirelessly, leaving Lakima as the primary figure in Raheem’s football development. With Lakima’s guidance and encouragement, Raheem found the inspiration and motivation to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
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Overcoming Challenges
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Sterling’s early life was marked by adversity. Following the tragic loss of his father to gang violence when he was just two years old, Sterling observed his mother working long hours as a cleaner to support the family. Lakima, too, contributed by taking on various jobs to alleviate their financial burdens, even cleaning toilets.
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In a heartfelt article for The Players’ Tribune in 2018, Sterling expressed, “My family, we were really tight. We had to be. All we had was us, you know?” The support and resilience of his family formed the foundation upon which Sterling built his career.
A Sister’s Sacrifice
When Sterling was four years old, his mother made the difficult decision to move to the UK in pursuit of a better life. This meant leaving Sterling and Lakima in the care of their grandmother, Joy Morris. Two years later, Raheem and Lakima joined their mother in Neasden, north-west London.
To ensure Raheem could pursue his football dreams, Lakima would accompany him on a grueling daily journey through three different buses to reach his training in Heathrow. She would patiently wait for him to finish, sitting in the cafe until his session was over. At the time, Raheem didn’t fully comprehend the extent of Lakima’s sacrifices, but he acknowledges their immense impact on his life.
An Enduring Legacy
Raheem Sterling’s remarkable journey from those humble beginnings has not gone unnoticed. A petition has been initiated by Zaffar Van Kawala, a former Brent councillor and a volunteer at Wembley Football, to grant Sterling the Freedom of the borough of Brent, where he grew up. The petition aims to recognize Sterling’s exceptional contributions to the community and his courage in standing against discrimination and racism. Fans are encouraged to show their support by adding their signatures to the petition.
FAQs
1. Who is Raheem Sterling?
- Raheem Sterling is an English professional footballer widely recognized for his contributions to both Manchester City and the England national team.
2. What role did Raheem Sterling’s sister play in his success?
- Raheem Sterling’s sister, Lakima, dedicated herself to supporting his football journey, accompanying him to training sessions and providing unwavering encouragement.
3. What is the Freedom of the borough of Brent?
- The Freedom of the borough of Brent is an honorary title bestowed upon individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the community.
Conclusion
Raheem Sterling’s ascent to football stardom is a testament to the power of family support and selfless sacrifice. Through the dedication of his sister, Lakima, and the unwavering determination of his entire family, Sterling has become an inspiration to aspiring footballers worldwide. As he continues to excel on the pitch, his London roots and the community that shaped him stand proudly alongside his achievements.
Nguồn: https://www.pesstatsdatabase.com
Danh mục: Sport
