Arsenal defender William Saliba has reflected on the early stages of his career, admitting that he once struggled with discipline and work ethic, calling himself a “lazy” striker.
The French international, now one of Europe’s top defenders, acknowledged that his attitude and approach to the game have significantly evolved since his youth days.
Saliba, who hails from France, is of Cameroonian descent, with his father having roots in Cameroon.
He has since become a cornerstone of Arsenal’s defense, forming a strong partnership with Brazil’s Gabriel in what has become one of the most formidable defensive duos in Europe.
Signed by the Gunners from Saint-Étienne in 2019 for £27 million, Saliba continues to prove his worth in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta’s management.
In an interview, Saliba reflected on his time at AS Bondy, his hometown club in northeast Paris, where he started as a striker.
“What was the first lesson that I got? If you want to be a top player, you have to work hard. Harder than everyone else,” he shared.
He humorously admitted to being less energetic as a young player, confessing, “I was lazy to run. I would just do two or three sprints in the game, then I would stand there and put my hands on my hips.”
Saliba’s transformation began under the guidance of Kylian Mbappé’s father, who coached him at age 11.
“He was a very good coach,” Saliba recalled. “He never hid anything from you with his words, he was always honest, and I liked that.”
Mbappé’s father encouraged him to push beyond his limitations, instilling in him the mindset necessary for growth.
Now linked with a potential move to Real Madrid, Saliba’s development has made him a sought-after talent.
