After impressive displays for AC Milan recently as a makeshift full-back Adil Rami has attributed his success to his unusual rise as a car mechanic to becoming professional footballer.
The French centre-back began his career at amateur club Frejus while working for the city council. A move to his now favoured position brought about a trial with Ligue 1 club Lille, who then signed him and eventually took him to make his France debut in 2010.
“I never forget where I come from,” Rami told L’Equipe.
“That is what gives me the strength to remain myself.
“I feel good, I am happy here. Before I was a mechanic and now I’m at AC Milan.”
After failing to make a return to the national set-up since arriving at the San Siro, the 28-year-old believes national media focus too much on his omission, simply accepting past misdemeanors as a permanent blemish on his international career.
“Maybe you talk too much about my experience with the French national team,” Rami stated. “Now is the time to focus on AC Milan.
“Finally I understand [my exclusion], but there was a time when it was difficult to accept it.
“I made a few mistakes in the past and that is probably why I do not get called-up more often.”
