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Dream Big - Ashley Young

Ashley Young gives an insight into his hopes and dreams as a youngster

Posted: 11th May 2008 09:29

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Who were your heroes when you were growing up?

I used to be a striker when I was younger and I supported Arsenal, so my hero was Ian Wright. I had all the videos and DVDs and I used to watch his goals for hours. It was all about him, to be honest.

How does it feel to realise an ambition most people can only dream of?

It was always my dream to play in the Premier League and luckily for me it's paid off and I'm loving every minute of it. I enjoy every game and I just want to keep learning and keep improving and hopefully I've got many more years ahead of me.

What advice would you give to people wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just be focused. Keep your feet on the ground. Have the determination to be a footballer. Keep learning and listen to whatever advice you get.

How have you coped with any setbacks you have had in your career?

It's down to the character you have. If something's not gone right then you have to reassess it. Just improve yourself and concentrate on doing things right and then you'll overcome it.

What dreams and ambitions do you still have?

I've always set myself goals and targets at the start of the season, but I always keep them to myself. Once they're ticked off in my head, then I'll know that I've achieved them. It changes from season to season, so there are always different ones and I think that'll happen for the rest of my career. I've ticked a few off this year and a few new ones have been added along the way.

What has been the best moment of your career so far?

Winning promotion with Watford, that's one that stands out, scoring on my debut with Watford as well, and the move to Villa. Those three things definitely stand out.

If you weren't a footballer, what career would you choose?

I've been asked that a lot, but I've always said I don't have a clue what I'd do. It'd probably be something sports-related, but I haven't got a clue!

Which current players do you admire the most?

I've always been a big fan of Lionel Messi. Words can't really explain what he's about. If you watch him you can see how good he is and how well he's done. For such a young kid to do what he's done is just brilliant. I think you try and learn from any players that are doing well. With the amount of football that's on TV these days you get to see teams from all around the world. I try and pick up things from a couple of players and bring them into my game. You're always learning in training every day and I'm always wanting to improve myself.

+ Young was speaking at the launch of adidas' new campaign, a film project called Dream Big where the world's biggest football stars meet the world's smallest teams. To see the films, click here

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Comments

Rob Webb says...

Ashley has been immense this year for Villa and will be one of the key players for our future sucesses especially when we knock Liverpool out of the champions league places.

Posted 14:47 13th May 2008

Theo Laybourne says...

Ashley Young is brilliant and will be an England regular before long his development under O'Niell has been amazing and he wont be moving from Aston Villa to one of the bigger clubs because in a couple of years villa will be one of those so called bigger clubs

Posted 13:53 13th May 2008

Lyndon-marc A. says...

Ashley is amazing... around my way we call him the English Robinho!! Keep it up... I know you're a Gooner but you may well earn yourself a move to the champions... Giggsy's replacement??

Posted 13:21 13th May 2008