Rochdale teenager Luke Matheson admits he has realised his boyhood dream after signing his first contract.
The defender has already had plenty of highs in his short career – scoring against Manchester United at Old Trafford in September being a highlight – but he believes being able to call himself a professional footballer tops them all.
“It honestly is a dream come true. I’ve played football all my life and I can’t remember not having a ball at my feet, so I can’t put into words how happy I am to finally be a professional footballer,” he told rochdaleafc.co.uk.
“It’s every little boy’s dream, and I’m so lucky and thankful for the opportunities that Rochdale have given me in the time I’ve been here.
“It’s the only club I’ve ever been at. They scouted me when I was nine years old and they’re still giving me opportunities when I’m 17 years old. I can’t thank the club enough, they’ve been amazing.”
“We all recognise the special talent that Luke is and what he has achieved already, and trust that he enjoys continued success as a player at Rochdale,” said chief executive David Bottomley.
