Australian defender Jay Rich-Baghuelou has revealed his remarkable journey that has seen him go from the beaches of the Gold Coast to landing a deal with English Premier League club Crystal Palace.
Trials with Brentford and Reading followed, as did a move to rival National League side Welling in a bid for regular game-time.
This proved to be the right decision and his performances at Welling caught the eye of Palace. Rich-Baghuelou was invited to train with the Eagles, an official trial period followed and then he was signed.
“I couldn’t believe it at the start,” he said.
“I was buzzing. It was a big gamble [to come to England] because in Australia… I was a good player but the clubs weren’t noticing me. I thought maybe in England they’ll see something they’re not seeing in Australia.
“That’s what I was gambling on – and it really did pay off. But I’m grateful to everyone who supported me. My dad pushed me to come over here and my aunty and uncle helped me.”
Now that Rich-Baghelou has his foot in the door at Selhurst door, he is keen to kick on.
The 1.9 metre tall centre-half is eyeing a place in the Premier League in the years to come.
“That’s what I want to do – I want to kick on and get a chance in the first-team,” he said.
“But at the moment I’m just doing my best in the Under-23s. If I’m doing really well in the Under-23s then my name’s going to get mentioned around the club.
"I’m just focused on the games I’ve got coming up [when the season resumes].
"My goal is to break into the first-team.”
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