West Bromwich Albion's asylum seeker is picked to play football for England

Feb 15 2009 by Jonny Greatrex, Sunday Mercury

THIS is the 15 year-old soccer-mad refugee who has gone from a gruelling life in one of the world’s poorest countries to playing striker for England.

Saido Berahino was born and brought up in war-torn Burundi in central Africa.

But five years ago he fled the violence of his native land to join his mum, who had already claimed asylum in Britain and was living in Birmingham.

Now the talented youngster, who is tipped for a career as a Premiership hotshot, has earned his first England cap after a substitute appearance in a 2-0 victory over Scotland in November at Lincoln’s Sincil Bank ground.

“The experience was amazing,” said the youngster from Aston, Birmingham, who has been signed up by West Bromwich Albion’s youth academy.

“I loved coming out of the tunnel – and singing the national anthem was great.

“When I went on, the manager just said go and enjoy yourself. It was good even though I only got on for 15 minutes.”

And Saido, who only spoke French when he came to this country, has set his sights on many more international appearances.

“My goal now is to get into the Albion first team and stay in the Premier League,” the ardent Manchester United fan added.

“After that I want to play for England