Leroy Sane has explained how a crucial moment in his fledgling playing career ensured that he didn't become just another wonderkid who failed to make it.
The Manchester City star revealed that, during a routine match with Schalke's Under-19 side, he was hauled off the pitch after just 10 minutes - a decision that Sane says infuriated him.
However, in an interview with the Daily Mail, Sane divulged that, having sat on the first-team bench the weekend before that Under-19 game, he thought he had finally made it. Youth coach Norbert Elgert, however, screamed at his star about how little effort he was putting in before pulling the youngster off the field of play.
Sane said: "That was a very important experience. There was perhaps the thought that I maybe didn't have to do it as much, because I had already made it to the top level of the club.
"I was angry and upset afterwards. I think every player is angry after coming off after 10 minutes."
A crunch meeting between Sane, his parents and Schalke's youth directors followed to help the forward realise that he would be in danger of throwing away his career if he didn't play at 100% capacity in each game, and Sane said he believes that talk was the kick up the backside that he needed.
Leroy Sane letting the ref know how many penalty incidents he missed, what a man 😂 pic.twitter.com/X8sIHNehiV
He continued: "My coach knew exactly what he was looking for and it certainly brought me on as a player. I've continued to work on that. It's paid off because of where I am now. You become more mature because of these things."
His eventual superb displays for Schalke's senior side led to a £37m switch to Manchester City last summer and, after an initial bedding-in period that Sane says was difficult due to living away from his family, has seen the 21-year-old star in recent weeks with three goals and an assist in his last six outings.
Sane remarked that manager Pep Guardiola and team-mate Raheem Sterling had been key in helping him to settle into life in the Premier League, and revealed that regular visits from his family gave him the support he needed to stick with life in the North West.
He added: "It didn't really take that much time (to decide)! I don't stand there and think, ;S***, Pep's after me, I've got to do something;. It's more about doing my thing well in training and that intensity, he is trying to get the best out of us, and sometimes that doesn't happen, but the main thing is to keep on trying.
"He (Guardiola) said he wanted to improve me tactically, and work on my weaknesses. I can safely say that up to now he's done everything he said he would.
"I'm so happy about being part of the future of this great club. I feel good about it. There's no pressure on me really. I just want to play football.
Leroy Sane ➡� Raheem Sterling ➡� GOAL
Future of City right there!! pic.twitter.com/OrBP4WFIRQ
"From the start he (Sterling) talked to me and helped me a lot. We are a similar age and we have similar interests. He tried to get to know me and then he has always helped me out in training. After games he has said to me, 'Always believe in yourself. It will come right with time'.
"It is obviously difficult in Manchester living in a hotel. I have had family support. They have come over on visits but for a young player it can be difficult to make such a move.
"For me it has been made easier by my mum visiting and the help of the club. My dad came to a lot of games as well."
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