Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies, who was born in a refugee camp in Ghana, has now opened up on his journey from fleeing Africa to becoming one of the world's best footballers.
The 20-year-old was named a Global Goodwill Ambassador by the United Nations Refugee Agency on Wednesday.
Davies' story is one that should inspire many others to rise above difficult upbringing as he was born in a refugee camp in Ghana after his parents fled the civil war in their home country, Liberia.
When he was five, Davies and his parents relocated to Canada, where the speedy left-back soon made headlines in the beautiful game. By the age of 17, he had earned a move to Bundesliga giants Bayern, and has already lifted eight trophies with the Bavarians since.
He has now explained why his family left Africa, and that he wants to inspire others with his story.
"The story my dad told is how it was during the war in Liberia. You knew there were only two opportunities: you either become part of the war or try to get out," Davies told ESPN.
"I'm happy they chose to get out because my parents had no intention of carrying guns, shooting guns. That's not who they are.
"Everything in the refugee camp was a battle, it wasn't easy, but they were alive.
"I can just visualise the smile on their faces knowing we were going to have a better life once we got accepted in the resettlement programme to go to Canada. They were so excited, it was an amazing relief."
Davies also revealed that he is planning to visit his birth country, but will have to wait until COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
"I haven't been back since I left, but that's definitely on my list," he added
"I want to go back to see where I grew up, where my family grew up and where I was for the first five years of my life.
"I'm excited that I'll be getting the chance to go back, although it's not possible right now with everything that is going on (with the COVID-19 pandemic).
"But in the future, I would love to go back and see the country."
