OPINION
never give up
‘Too big, too strong, not good enough’ – Adebayo Akinfenwa has proved everyone wrong to achieve Championship dream aged 38
Who says football doesn't do fairytales?
Four years ago Adebayo Akinfenwa was unemployed and begging new managers to 'hit me up on WhatsApp' in a quite extraordinary post-match interview after helping AFC Wimbledon to secure League Two play-off glory.
3
The giant striker - nicknamed 'The Beast' - managed to top that effort on Monday night after Wycombe Wanderers were promoted to the Championship for the first time at Oxford's expense.
Speaking after the Chairboys' incredible triumph, he told Sky Sports: "The only person that can hit me up on WhatsApp this time is [Jurgen] Klopp so we can celebrate together!"
And the greatest night of Akinfenwa's career just got that little better, when he ended up receiving a video message from the German. Watch the footage below...
Akinfenwa was told he was too big to play football. Akinfenwa was told by a referee he was too strong to play football. Akinfenwa was told he wasn't good enough to play football.
He didn't listen to those critics and has proven every one of them wrong.
Akinfenwa began his football career in Lithuania, going on to play for 13 clubs in England and Wales before finally becoming a Championship player with Wycombe at 38.
Religion has played a huge part in Bayo's life - with the towering forward praying alongside Alex Samuel on the hallowed Wembley turf after Wycombe pulled off one of the greatest achievements in Football League history.
Akinfenwa is the club's all-time record goalscorer in the EFL with 53 goals and their joint top scorer of this memorable campaign [10].
3
Adebayo Akinfenwa tells talkSPORT he was like a kid at Christmas when his Liverpool heroes congratulated him on being promoted
But his influence is far greater than just on the field. He was one of only nine players who turned up for the first day of Wycombe pre-season ahead of the 2019/20 campaign. Ainsworth's men were tipped for relegation. They were written off before a ball was kicked.
A natural born leader, Akinfenwa has regularly delivered motivational and inspirational team talks to his teammates and fellow Wembley heroes.
But Monday night's sensational win wasn't just a career highlight for him - displaying his humble nature when speaking on Tuesday's talkSPORT Breakfast.
“It was just euphoria for the whole team, it was a beautiful thing,” he said.
“Everybody has a story to tell – 80% of the dressing room have never played in the Championship, maybe 30% of the players were told they were not good enough, and we felt there was a lack of respect to Wycombe, like we were lucky to be there.
“So to go out and beat Fleetwood and beat Oxford, and not lose a game during the play-offs, you can’t really say anything more. We got the job done and as a footballer there’s no better feeling."
3
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
Asked where this achievement ranks in his career he said, without even a moment of hesitation: “Number one.
“When you start getting to the latter stages of your career you just try and cherish every moment, every game, even training! Let alone to get in a position that I’ve never been in my career.
“It ranks as the highest moment in my career and I’m proud.”
Akinfenwa is without doubt one of Ainsworth's best signings during his eight-year Adams Park tenure so far. 'Wild Thing' took a chance on him when no-one else in English football would - and it's certainly paid off.
Do not be surprised if Akinfenwa and co spring a surprise or two in the Championship next season. After all, they just love being the underdog.
Topics