Chelsea's Callum Hudson-Odoi credits family for career rise

Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi says his family has pushed him beyond the realm of raw talent, claiming he's the son of a gun.

Odoi, born to a Ghanaian father, has hit the limelight after his breakthrough at the London club.

He says his father, who played professional football for Ghanaian giants Hearts of Oak, was instrumental in his career.

“Every time my dad talks to me, I listen," he told the Independent. “He's been there, he knows what it takes, he's had to cut things out of his life to play at the highest level. He's always been there, for every game, no matter what, whether it's here or out of the country. He's got a certain whistle, so I always know he's there. His advice helps me every day."

“Before, he always used to shout. Run, work hard, do this, do that," he continues. “But, when I think about it now, what he said was true. You have to do those things from when you're young to become a top player. It influenced me to be who I am today.

“I've always had that mentality of working hard and proving to myself that I'm capable. I've always tried to be better than everyone else, work harder than everyone else. Even in the playground, I'd still run more than everyone else just to prove I was the best… Obviously some people thought 'Nah, he's not going to do this, he's not at that level'. Hopefully, I'm proving them wrong."