He’s become one of Europe’s most clinical finishers, but were it not for the intervention of his mother, Alexandre Lacazette’s career could have taken a very different turn.
As a child, our No 9 had started to forge a reputation as a prolific striker - though he also enjoyed filling in at the other end of the pitch.
“My favourite position was always as a centre forward or striker,” the striker said. “I did like playing in goal too but my mum wasn't very keen as she thought being a goalie was too dangerous! She said that I either played as a forward or not at all.
Sometimes I was embarrassed for the opposition if there was a huge goal difference between the two teams but that didn't happen all the time.
“I suppose temperament wise, I was quite reserved - as I still am. I just liked playing football with my friends.”
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