The Turkish footballer Alex Telles has made history by becoming the first African player to score in the Champions League with Manchester United.
Telles scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Spanish club Al Ahli at Old Trafford on Sunday, making him the first African player to reach that milestone.
The 26-year-old Telles was born in South Africa but moved to England when he was just 14 years old and joined Manchester United as a youth player. He played for the club's under-18 team before being promoted to the senior squad in 2015.
Telles made his debut for the Red Devils in January 2017 and scored his first goal in April that season. In July 2019, he scored the winner in a 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Europa League.
Despite his success, Telles remains humble about his achievements. "I am very happy," he said after the game. "It is always a great feeling to be playing in Europe. I have been working hard for this opportunity."
Telles' performance earned him widespread praise from fans and coaches alike. "He deserves all the credit for what he achieved," Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said. "He is a talented young man who will continue to grow and develop."
Telles has also shown his ability to adapt to different roles in the game. He can play as a striker or a midfielder and has even been used as a left-back in games against Liverpool and Manchester City. His versatility has helped him become one of the most valuable players in the Premier League.
In addition to his goalscoring prowess, Telles is also known for his leadership qualities. He has been a vocal advocate for social justice issues and has spoken out against racism and discrimination in football.
Overall, Alex Telles' journey to becoming a professional footballer has been a remarkable one. Despite facing challenges along the way, he has proven time and again that he is a talented and promising player who has the potential to make a significant impact on the sport.