The story of Islam Feruz Despite having only made one first team appearence, Chelsea’s Islam Feruz has never shyed away from a controversial descision in his so far short, yet busy career. Feruz was born on the 10th of September 1995 in Kismayo, Somalia. In 2001 Feruz and his family moved to Yemen to escape Somalia’s increasing violence. It was in Somalia that Feruz’s mother Aisha and step father Albashir Ali sought asylum in the United Kingdom. The family initially moved to London when Feruz was aged just five years old before re-locating to Scotland. As Feruz grew up in Scotland he would often be found playing in the high-halls of Glasgow’s Castlemilk Community Sports Centre in the east end of the city. It was in the Castlemilk centre where Celtic youth coach John Simpson discovered the pacey, off the cuff, 10 year old playing against boys ten years older than him. Feruz was then invited to a trial at Celtic’s youth academy where he impressed the coaching staff greatly. John Sludden commented on Feruz by saying, “ It only took me twenty minutes to realize that Islam was very special.” The way Feruz instinctively glided passed defenders had people likening him to Celtic greats such as Aiden McGeady, Charlie Nicholas and Paul McStay. After playing with the under 14's by the age of 11 years old, Feruz was threatened with deportation back to the war stricken Somalia. However, after 6 months of brave campaigning Celtic coach Tommy Burns successfully appealed the threat and all the family were granted with UK passports thanks to Tommy Burns. Continuing to fly through the youth ranks at Parkhead, Feruz was chosen to feature in Tommy Burns tribute match in 2009. At 81 minutes a 14 year old Islam Feruz made his one and only appearance at a packed Celtic Park. The following season still only at 14 years of age, Feruz was picked for the Scottish Under 16‘s side in the Sky Sports Victory Shield. Many will remember watching Feruz’s incredible performance on Sky Sports 1 against Northern Ireland, in which he scored his first of so far 12 Scotland international goals. That same season, Feruz also appeared in three Scotland Under 17 matches. During his time with Celtic, Feruz studied at Glasgow’s Hillhead High School. A school known for its cultural diversity. The school’s head-teacher Willy Wight told me, “I remember when Islam first came to the school. He wasn't the most settled of pupils but he was hardworking in class and lighting quick on the pitch, for that reason his fellow classmates looked up to him.” In early 2011, Feruz hired a new agent. Almost immediately after the switch of agents, coincidentally Feruz’s attitude to Celtic and education changed. After never missing a training session in two years he began missing numerous sessions and failed to turn up to his games. Willy Wight again commented, “ It was almost over night that Islam’s attitude changed. He lost that determination he had.” he added, “ I remember when Islam had his standard grade maths exam, ten minutes before it began I ran to his house knocked on his door and it was him mother that answered. Aisha said that Feruz had not been out his bed in five days. I ran up to his room and told him to get changed and into the hall.” In 2011, there were rumors floating around that Feruz was in talks with Manchester City and various English Premier League sides. Neil Lennon said in the summer of 2013, “ I've not seen him ( Feruz) since the start of the season. It’s disappointing really after all that the club had done for him.” Just thirteen days after Lennon’s comments, it was publicly announced that Feruz had rejected Celtic’s offer of a professional contract and was to join Chelsea with a wage of £2,500 per week. Celtic were only awarded £300,000 in compensation despite all the club had done for him and his family. Since joining the London club, Feruz has only ever made one first team appearance in a pre season friendly on July the 1st 2013 against the Malaysian Premier League X1. Feruz came on at 33 minutes for the injured Kevin De Bruyne before coming off at half-time for Andre Schurrle. Despite Feruz’s lack of first ream appearances, he has become one of the most prolific strikers in the English Under 21‘s league scoring 35 goals in the 2012/13 season alone. Most recently Feruz again caused much anger among Scottish football fans when he declined a Scotland under 21‘s appearance. Although nothing has been stated officially it seems unlikely we will see Feruz in a Scotland jersey. It was announced in the summer of 2014 that Feruz was to go on loan to Greek Superleague team OFI Crete on a season-long loan, in search for consistent first team appearances. Despite taking a rather odd path, I believe that Feruz can still turn out to be a top player if he improves his bad boy attitude and plays more frequently. He has all the attributes to perform at the highest level, however, a lot of his future will be dependent on his attitude in training sessions. Here is a video of Feruz in action. To see more Youtube videos subscribe to @ScottishEdits https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLv_O247D1k&list=UUkf0xV-Bf8aOs_I0Be865gw |