Alfie Massey, a young footballer from Welling, had a clear vision of his future in the sport – he wanted to play as a central midfielder. This determination ultimately led to his departure from Arsenal at the age of 14, despite joining the club at a young age after playing for West Ham.
Massey’s passion for playing in the middle of the park clashed with Arsenal’s decision to utilize him as a centre-back. This misalignment resulted in Massey leaving the club and signing with Millwall. Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Massey expressed his confidence in his abilities as a midfielder and his belief that he could excel in that position.
Transitioning to Millwall, Massey has set his sights on making his senior debut in the upcoming season. He fondly remembers playing against Gillingham and the experience of competing in the FA Youth Cup, particularly the semi-final match against Leeds in front of a large crowd at Elland Road.
The move to Millwall not only provided Massey with a platform to pursue his midfield ambitions but also eased the burden of commuting for training, which was previously more challenging when he was associated with West Ham and Arsenal. Massey credits his parents for their unwavering support throughout his football journey, highlighting the sacrifices they made to facilitate his training and matches.
Working with Millwall’s head coach Neil Harris has been a positive experience for Massey, who appreciates the guidance and encouragement he receives. He acknowledges the influence of senior players in the team, such as George Honeyman, George Saville, and Danny McNamara, who have offered valuable advice and support.
Massey’s idol, Steven Gerrard, inspires his style of play, while he looks up to Arsenal’s Declan Rice as a role model. As he progresses and gains more experience, Massey feels that his time with the first team during pre-season has accelerated his development and enhanced his skills on the field.
Despite some unexpected moments, like being tasked with hosting the players’ songs during a trip to Spain, Massey takes these opportunities in stride and remains focused on his goal of making his debut. With a strong support system in place and a dedicated mindset, Massey is determined to continue his growth as a midfielder and make a lasting impact in his football career.