Sabah FK defender Aden McCarthy has opened up about his rapid rise from former side Kaizer Chiefs to the Azerbaijan champions, where he’s found himself already playing in the UEFA Champions League.
McCarthy, 22, a product of Chiefs development ranks, waited three seasons to get promoted to the first team and just after his first term he gained a move to Europe.
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He’s already featured 14 times for his new club across all competitions and has one goal in the Champions League.
He spoke to iDiski Times senior journalist Lorenz Köhler in edition 279 of the newspaper about how his waiting period at Chiefs wasn’t really pleasant, especially mentally. However, the centre-back acknowledges that time readied him for when he finally got a chance and that he wouldn’t change anything about his journey.
“A lot of things happened when they were meant to happen, especially for me,” McCarthy told iDiski Times.
“I know that in the moment of waiting for my chance at Chiefs, it wasn’t very pleasant and enjoyable for me, if I’m being honest. Training with the first team and playing for the reserve team for at least two, almost three, full seasons was a lot to deal with mentally, but it also shaped me into being prepared for when the chance comes.
“When I started my debut season with Chiefs, I never thought I’d leave after just one season with them. Looking back at it, I wouldn’t change a thing, but just be glad that I kept my head on my shoulders and kept my feet on the ground.
“The hard work kept me going and got me to playing in the Champions League, which is insane.”