A ‘huge potential’

Arthur Joël Bessong Diam just entered the world of professional football with help from Marcet. He’s been an academy player here at Marcet for many years, the young Cameroonian came to Barcelona thanks to a scholarship, something that allowed him to come live in Europe, where he’s worn the colours of various clubs in Spain and France. After playing in the Primera Catalana with Tecnofútbol, CD Olímpic de Xàtiva noticed his talent and decided to sign him for the new season.

“The jump to the Segunda División B is a lot for me”, confirmed the African midfielder in his first press conference with his new club from Valencia. “I’ll have to work very hard”, pledged Arthur, assuring that he wants “to learn even more” from his new teammates.

During the official presentation, Xàtiva’s president said that the talented Cameroonian “convinced everyone in a couple of days”. Kike Alcázar also wanted to highlight Arthur’s international experience and to thank Marcet for the excellent work that they’ve done with the player. “He’s a player with a huge potential and to make his debut at professional level is a major step for him. We’re vouching for him because we believe in him. Here has the chance to get into professional football in Spain and stay here”.

Cameroon’s U-23s have already brought Arthur into the mix for the qualifying stages of the African Games. “I’m always in the starting eleven at club level and this is something that the national team takes into account”, commented the young Cameroonian. “Especially when we have to win without fail, having minutes under my belt is essential. The coaches know they can only count on players that play week in week out, and luckily the team at Fundación Marcet is giving me that opportunity”.

Since his arrival to Barcelona, Arthur has been selected for his country’s U-17s and U-20s. The African centre-mid first came to Barcelona in April 2009 for a month-long trial and after completing this he got a years long scholarship. “I’ve received support from Fundación from the beginning”, says the young central midfielder. “I’ve learnt everything here, from the language to football. Fundación has given me so much”, he added, hoping that this new challenge with Xàtiva will help him reach even bigger goals.

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