In 2012, Martin Samuelsen left Norwegian side Haugesund and moved to Manchester City at the age of 14.
He spent three years in the Premier League winners’ academy before joining West Ham United in 2015. So far, he hasn’t featured for the Hammers and the London club have sent him out on loan.
In February 2019, the 22-year-old was allowed to return to Haugesund on loan and in the last window, his temporary stay was extended until the end of this year.
Speaking to VG in Norway, the player discussed his career, starting from his switch to City and his initial struggles in England.
“My career has been extremely complicated. When I went to Manchester City as a 14-year-old, I might have not been quite ready. Actually, I didn’t feel like it either, felt more like it was expected that I went when the opportunity came,” he said.
“I was probably alone for a long time. I didn’t get the help I needed. It was almost as if I dreaded training. I didn’t have energy even before the game had started. People thought I was lazy when they saw me play. But I had zero energy. The tank was empty, that’s the truth.”
Having struggled earlier in his career, Samuelsen is now looking to have more stability, both on and off the pitch.
“To rebuild the mental foundation, I’ve given myself a little ‘slack’. I’ve dived into myself. And I’ve received help. My top-level football has always been high. But it’s about being stable, that I have to rely more on myself and do the good things more often,” the Hammers owned player explained.
Samuelsen will return to West Ham after Haugesund’s cup final clash against Viking and his contract with the Premier League side expires next summer. He remains hopeful of returning to Haugesund for the 2020 season.
“I have six months left on the contract with West Ham. So, we’ll see what happens after the cup final. But I want to be at Haugesund next season,” he stressed.
