Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.

Marcell Washington spoke to us recently about his experience with a famous footballing father and training with our first team.

I grew up in Cambridge, and the first team I played for was Leatherhead Football Club when I was around 12 years old, so I actually started playing football quite late. Growing up, I was always surrounded by the game. My brother really influenced my love for football. We would often go outside to play together and that's where my passion naturally developed. 

When I was younger, I was much more of a football fan than a supporter of one particular team. I enjoyed watching whichever sides played good football. In terms of players, I looked up to Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar. 

Back in my Sunday League days, I played as a left winger, right winger or number 10, positions that allowed me to express myself in the attacking third. 

My journey took a big step forward when I was scouted by Chelsea at an 8-a-side tournament hosted by Walton & Hersham. I was supposed...