"10-Year-Old Saido Berahino Flew from War-Ravaged Burundi to Birmingham, Encountering Fostercare Before Undergoing DNA Test for Identity Clarification

"10-Year-Old Saido Berahino Flew from War-Ravaged Burundi to Birmingham, Encountering Fostercare Before Undergoing DNA Test for Identity Clarification - His Journey to the Premier League"

In August 1993, Saido Berahino was born in Bujumbura, Burundi, a beautiful yet economically and technologically underdeveloped country. Berahino's early years were spent in a war-torn environment, but to him, it felt normal. Tragedy struck when Berahino's father passed away when he was just four years old, a loss that would later be attributed to the ongoing civil war in Burundi, which lasted for 11 years.

Despite the turmoil, Berahino's love for football began to bloom. He started playing the sport as a child, using plastic bags to create a makeshift ball as they couldn't afford a real one. Berahino's family, fearing the ongoing conflict, moved to Birmingham, UK, when he was young.

Berahino's footballing talent was soon recognised. He was invited to play for the England youth teams and, in 2014, was called up to the senior England side by Roy Hodgson. However, Berahino ultimately chose to represent the senior Burundi national side, a decision that would lead to one of his most significant achievements – helping Burundi qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Berahino's story with West Bromwich Albion is a remarkable one for the Burundi-born striker. He burst onto the Premier League scene with West Bromwich Albion in the 2013/14 season, scoring a winning goal at Old Trafford among his notable achievements.

Berahino's journey to England was not an easy one. He traveled alone, leaving Burundi in 2007, and his mother was put in a care home while her contact details were verified. It took Berahino about eight months to speak English properly, but he persevered, eventually integrating into his new life in the UK.

Berahino's connection to Burundi remains strong. He felt his father's soul while singing the Burundi national anthem, and the president of the Burundian FA came to see him when he was 17. Despite Burundi's challenges, Berahino continues to be a source of pride for the country, inspiring many with his resilience and determination.

"10-Year-Old Saido Berahino Flew from War-Ravaged Burundi to Birmingham, Encountering Fostercare Before Undergoing DNA Test for Identity Clarification - His Journey to the Premier League"