Kai Sampson feels an enormous sense of pride to have joined the ranks at Spanish club Málaga.

The promising footballer, 19, was recruited by the club, who play in the Segunda Division, one league below La Liga, after impressing the club’s coaches during a trial.

He will now continue his development at the club’s academy where he hopes to make inroads towards the first tea,.

“It feels amazing and truly a dream come true,” Sampson told The Royal Gazette. “Málaga is a club with so much history and passion, and to now be a part of it is something I’m really proud of.

“The club has been nothing but positive; from the coaching staff to the players, there’s a real sense of professionalism and unity. It’s a club that feels like family but operates at a very high standard.”

The central midfielder, who spent two years at the Steven Gerrard Academy in England before venturing to Spain in search of new opportunities, has made a smooth transition to his new club.

“It’s gone really well so far,” he said. “Everyone has been welcoming from the day I got here and I already feel part of the group.

“On the pitch, we’re building that chemistry and it’s exciting to be part of a team that works so hard together.”

Sampson was determined to give everything he had in order to catch the eye of club scouts during what ultimately proved to be a successful trial.

“I knew I had to give everything and prove I could bring value to the team,” he said.

“The trial was intense, but in the best way. It pushed me physically and mentally, but I learnt a lot and came out stronger. It also gave me a real taste of the club’s culture and standards.”

The teenager was thrilled when he got the call to join the club’s academy.

“It was a mix of surprise and excitement, but mostly just motivation to keep pushing forward,” he said.

“You always work hard and hope opportunities come, but when a club like Málaga shows interest, it’s definitely a big moment.”

Sampson’s immediate goal is to continue sharpening his skills and gelling with his new club, whom he hopes to help achieve success in the long run.

“Short-term goal is all about integrating into the squad and contributing as much as I can and continuing to grow as a player,” he said.

“Long-term goal is helping the club reach new heights, whether that’s promotion or strong cup runs, and develop into a key player here.”

The official signing ceremony at Málaga proved extra special for the young player, who was accompanied by his dad and former Wolves, Devonshire Colts and Dandy Town forward Peter Sampson.

“That was really special and It was emotional,” he said. “It was a proud day for both of us.

“My dad has been there since Day 1. Early mornings, late nights, all the ups and downs, so to have him by my side at such a big moment meant everything.”

It was also a special moment for the player’s proud father.

“It’s definitely a proud moment for me and for him a dream come true,” he said. “He told me it’s no other person he’d rather be there than me, which speaks volumes.

“For him it’s a dream come true, and I am glad that he is experiencing what he is experiencing in his journey. He’s gone a lot further than me at an early age and I am just happy to be have been here to experience it.

“Málaga have been very co-operative and assisting with everything. They want the best for Kai and are looking to push him. They see his ability; he’s highly technical and that’s what drew them to him. As far as I can see the sky is the limit for Kai.

“Kai has worked hard to get to where he is and he’s still got a long ways to go. But as long as he applies himself he can go very far in his trade in Spain at Málaga.”