“I’ve always supported Chelsea” – £4.25m starlet on his dream to feature for Blues | OneFootball

Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong have been this season’s breakout stars from the academy, without question.

They’ve made themselves into Conference League regulars for Enzo Maresca, and look set to be fixtures in the squad next season and beyond. But they’re not the only ones to have started making serious steps. Shim Mheuka has also started picked up appearances here and there, despite still being 17.

Mheuka on making his debut

His long interview with the Chelsea website today runs through his career so far, and is really sweet in making clear how much this all means to him:

“I’ve always watched Chelsea and supported the club,” Mheuka opens.

“I used to sit in front of the television and dream that one day I would step onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge wearing the Chelsea shirt. I think every kid who loves football has that picture in their head. For me, it was always the Bridge.”

“To make my Premier League debut there…it’s hard to put into words. The atmosphere, the energy, the passion of the supporters, it all hits you at once. The noise of the fans, the banging of the gates, the chants, it gives you goosebumps. You grow up dreaming of it, and when it finally happens, it’s better than you ever imagined.”

“It’s a moment I’ll always remember. I was buzzing just to travel and be in the squad, but to step on the pitch and make my debut was something else entirely.”

Mheuka on first youth goal at Stamford Bridge

Shim Mheuka at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)

First goal comes at Stamford Bridge

Despite his gradual introduction to the first team, his bread and butter remained the Under-21 team under Filipe Coelho, who recovered from a slow start to finish 3rd in PL2. Their final game of the season was played at Stamford Bridge, where Mheuka got to experience scoring his first goal:

“Before stepping on, I took a deep breath and reminded myself why I was there. It felt like one of those dreams you’ve played out in your head 100 times, but in that moment, I felt ready. I had put in the work, day in and day out, behind the scenes. I just wanted to make the most of that opportunity.”

“Scoring at Stamford Bridge is something I’ll always remember. It was against Villa and when the ball went in, it felt like time stood still. I’ve imagined that moment over and over. It meant everything to me.”

Carry on like this and his first senior goal for the Blues won’t be far behind.