Get to know Under-23 full-back Jordan Aina, who joined the club in the Summer after progressing through the Chelsea Academy.
DOB: 10.12.01
Place of birth: Southwark, London
Position: Full-back
Height: 177cm
Weight: 70kg
Boots: Nike Mercurial
How have you enjoyed your time at Fulham since signing?
I’ve really enjoyed it so far and it’s going well. I think I’m developing more as a player, featuring at Under-23 level more regularly. It’s a different style of coaching to what I had before but I really feel like I’ve needed it to further improve my game.
How would you describe yourself as a player?
I’m a player that likes to work hard and I’m good on the ball. I always want to win and absolutely hate losing. I think my competitive nature always helps push me away from the pitch to put 100% into whatever I do.
Does it help having your older brother Ola playing for the First Team? How involved is he with your development?
I definitely think it helps me to an extent. I want to be where he is so he’s motivation for me. He’s always encouraging me to keep going and working hard and one day I’ll get there if I keep doing the right things. Ola started playing around the age of nine and I used to go and watch his little tournaments and stuff. When I was about five, I was playing for my local team and, since then, I’ve just enjoyed playing football. I’d say he did have an effect on me wanting to play football but I think I’d have got into it anyway to be honest.
How is your relationship with your PL2 teammates?
I’ve actually known some of my teammates for quite a while now, just through growing up in the same area and schools. I settled in quite quickly to be honest, so it’s helped. The coaches made me feel at home too.
What are your personal aims and objectives over the next season?
My aim is to simply play as much as possible and try to help the team win as many games as I can whenever I play.
Quickfire Questions:
Favourite TV Programme: Power
Footballing Hero: Cristiano Ronaldo
Favourite Other Sport: Basketball
Favourite Food: Jollof Rice
Favourite Musician: Drake
Personal Ambition: To play in a Champions League Final
Huw Jennings, Academy Director:
“Jordan has followed his brother Ola in making the move to the Cottage. He is also a right-back by trade, who can cover at centre-back as well."
