Ghanaian midfielder Baba Alhassan has applauded his uncle for his incredible role in his football journey, leading to his move to Romanian giants Steaua Bucuresti.
Baba, 24, joined Steaua Bucuresti in January after a difficult time with Spanish side Valladolid.
The youngster joined the Spanish side when he was 18 with the dream of making his La Liga debut with them.
However, a change of ownership in the club affected the then teenager who could only make a few appearances for the Team B of the club and training once with the first team.
Baba then moved to Romania where he started on a good note with Hermannstadt but was relegated to the bench again following the dismissal of their head coach.
The youngster who was traumatized by the harsh situations he faced in Europe in his early stages nearly called it quits on his career but the intervention of his uncle was kept him on the field.
Speaking to Sienu TV in an exclusive interview, Baba recounted the role his uncle played in encouraging him to keep on fighting.
“I was really traumatized when I was not having playing time in Romania. I will call my mum and complain a lot but my uncle – Bra Issaka – was always there for me,” he said.
“He will call and talk to me, encourage me and tell me to be strong. It was really difficult because there are players I could see I was better than, but they will be playing while I sit on the bench.
“Sometimes, if the player is better than you, you can understand but when it is that you are better than him, it hurts.
“But my uncle was always telling me to be ready for my time. He really supported me,” he added.