In an unique interview with Chelsea Soccer Membership, 18-year-old Dujuan Richards shares the fascinating story of his path from Jamaica to London, shedding gentle on his nickname “Whisper” and the influential figures who formed his footballing aspirations.
Hailing from the colourful neighborhood of Port Royal in Jamaica’s southeast, Richards was captivated by his nation’s soccer tradition from a younger age. His unwavering willpower to pursue an expert profession led him on a exceptional journey that finally introduced him to the distinguished Chelsea Soccer Membership.
Reflecting on his humble beginnings, Richards acknowledges the challenges he confronted however credit his unwavering dedication to soccer, the help of his household, and the nurturing surroundings of the Phoenix Allstars Academy for guiding him by way of the robust occasions. He emphasizes the significance of resilience in overcoming obstacles, particularly in a soccer panorama as aggressive as Jamaica’s.
“It was tough for me – I’m from the ghetto however had a giant dream,” Richards opens. “I didn’t know one thing like this might occur, however in my thoughts, I all the time thought that I’d develop into an expert footballer. Each time I acquired a possibility, I took it. In Jamaica, it’s not straightforward should you’re not mentally robust or mentally robust. You’ll fail should you’re not resilient.
“My household have been essential to me. They proceed to all the time help me, textual content me, and examine in on me even throughout coaching. I really like that.
– Commercial –
“Going by way of the Phoenix Academy was a pleasure as nicely. I’ll all the time love Phoenix it doesn’t matter what and it doesn’t matter what occurs subsequent, I’ll all the time love Phoenix. I’ll all the time help them as a result of they helped me when it was tough on my journey.”
Amidst his journey, Richards discovered inspiration within the success tales of fellow Jamaican footballers, notably his idol, Leon Bailey, whose journey from Jamaica to the European stage resonated deeply with him. Bailey’s achievements fueled Richards’ ambition and served as a beacon of hope throughout his childhood.
“Once I was youthful, I didn’t like watching dwell matches on tv,” Richards explains. “I used to be all the time a fan of highlights and watching abilities, seeing who the quickest participant was, however as I acquired older I began moving into dwell soccer. I then began to observe gamers and desirous to be like them.
– Commercial –
“Rising up I solely watched Leon Bailey as a result of he’s from the identical academy as me. He has been my idol for 5 – 6 years now. I’m actually happy to say that we’re buddies now that we have now met within the Jamaican nationwide workforce. He was every part I needed to be.”
Affectionately often known as “Whisper” as a consequence of his reserved demeanor off the pitch, Richards shares the origins of his nickname and embraces it as a novel a part of his identification. From his early days on the Phoenix Academy to his latest debut for Chelsea’s youth groups, Richards’ journey is marked by perseverance and dedication.
Pure expertise
“Once I was youthful, if I spoke, I wouldn’t converse loudly,” Whisper says. “I’d all the time come beside you and speak so solely you and I might hear. I acquired the nickname from a coach, and I’ve lived with it since.
“I’m hoping sooner or later I would be capable of have Whisper on the again of my shirt!”
From the age of 11, proper up till his transfer to Stamford Bridge, Whisper plied his commerce in opposition to prime academies from around the globe, that includes in opposition to Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, amongst others.
His pure expertise and work ethic would seize the eye of many golf equipment around the globe, however his effort acquired observed by Blues winger Raheem Sterling – himself born in Kingston, Jamaica.
“Raheem and I messaged over Instagram earlier than I arrived at Chelsea,” Richards, who was unable to finalize his transfer to Stamford Bridge till after his 18th birthday, explains. “I simply acquired a message from him sooner or later and I used to be actually shocked. I awakened for coaching and I advised everybody there that Raheem had messaged!
“Issues like that don’t usually occur. For somebody enjoying on the highest degree to message and inform me that I’m an excellent man – it motivates me rather a lot. He’s an excellent man and is searching for me.”
Motivated by Sterling’s feedback, Whisper’s momentum hit prime gear as he made his debut for the Jamaican nationwide workforce in March 2023 in opposition to Trinidad and Tobago, ultimately scoring his first worldwide purpose in opposition to them within the Gold Cup a couple of months later.
“Stepping on the pitch for the nation I used to be born was like profitable the Ballon d’Or,” he says with a smile. “It was a extremely particular second. To then rating, I didn’t know what to do. I simply ran and did a celebration for enjoyable. I didn’t know what to do. I’ve seen movies of my household screaming and crying. It was one thing particular.”
His continued rise earned him a transfer to Chelsea, and he joined up with the squad for pre-season to immerse himself together with his new membership – a dream realized for Richards.
“I acquired the prospect to coach in the summertime with the membership through the pre-season tour, so I’ve the expertise enjoying with skilled guys who’re actually skilled,” Whisper provides. “I acquired alongside very well with Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke. The sensation that I acquired was that everybody treats everybody as one.”