AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth’s rising star Dominic Sadi admitted he was “a bit shell-shocked” after realising his boyhood dream.
Sadi was handed his Premier League debut as a late substitute in the Cherries’ convincing 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
The talented frontman, who was turning out for Wingate & Finchley in the Isthmian League a little over two years ago, replaced Justin Kluivert in added time.
Sadi joined the Cherries in May 2022 following an impressive trial spell having spent time on the books at both West Ham and Stoke City.
The 20-year-old, who has netted 14 goals for the development squad this season, has made three appearances from the bench in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup since joining the club.
Sadi told afcb.co.uk: “I can’t believe this day has come and I’m still feeling a bit shellshocked.
“I’d like to thank the manager and the staff from the first team to the development squad.
“It was great to come off the bench to make my Premier League debut, it’s something every young footballer dreams of. Hopefully, there are many more games to come.
“I remember when I was playing for Wingate & Finchley people were thinking this was a pipe dream.
“But if you believe in yourself and know you can reach these heights, nothing is impossible which showed today.
“I’m just grateful for the opportunity and happy to get my first Premier League appearance.
“I’ve put a lot of hard work in and been very disciplined. I’ve got a lot of good people around me and the staff keep pushing me to work every day for opportunities like this. I’m so grateful to everyone who has helped me on this journey.”
Sadi was joined on the bench by development squad teammates Cal McKenna, Max Kinsey (pictured below congratulating Sadi) and Michael Dacosta Gonzalez who all train regularly with Andoni Iraola’s squad.
The quartet are expected to feature when Alan Connell’s team lock horns with Birmingham City in the Professional Development League at St Andrew’s on Monday (7pm kick-off).
Sadi added: “With four of us being on the bench, it shows there is a pathway to the first team and that the manager has faith in us and trusts us whenever he needs us.
“He watches our games when he can and keeps tabs on us. He monitors us in training and it’s good to have that at the club.
“We now have another important job to do against Birmingham. For me, the number one goal has been getting the development squad through to the play-offs so we need to try to get three points and get back in the two top again.”
