A. Life in a new country B. Born to play soccer C. A popular teen D. Just having fun E. Attractive offer F. A dream comes true Freddy Adu: A successful teen 1. _____________ Are you one of the millions of people who love soccer? Perhaps you dream of being a famous soccer player yourself, watched by excited fans all over the world! For a young American soccer player named Freddy Adu, that dream came true. At just 14, Freddy started playing professionally for DC United, which made him the youngest professional athlete in modern team sports history. 2. _____________ How did Freddy Adu become one of the most exciting young soccer players in the world? A few years ago, he was just another kid in Ghana, kicking a ball around with his friends. But it wasnt hard to see that he was born to play the game. His mother, Emelia, says he has been playing soccer since he could walk. Back home in Ghana, he played soccer against men three times his age. 3. _____________ Freddys career took off after his family moved to the USA. He was only years old then. Life wasnt easy at first. As a single mother, Emelia worked long hours to support the family. Meanwhile, Freddy practiced his game on the school grounds. He was soon noticed by a local soccer coach, and became the best player on the team, playing with kids four or five years older than him. 4. _____________ Soon others started paying attention. When Freddy was 10, a team from Italy offered him $750,000 to play for them. But Emelia, who has always looked out for him, decided he was too young to accept. Freddy wasnt very disappointed. He joined the Bradenton Academy, a US soccer program in Florida, and finished high school when he was 14. Shortly afterwards, he signed his contract with DC United and now, at the age of 17, earns half a million dollars a year doing what he loves. 5. _____________ Freddy says hes just like any ordinary kid in many ways. He likes Playstation, and tries to look good for the girls. He thinks his mom is the best cook in the world. Like many other teens, his dream is to play in the World Cup and his favorite soccer players are Pele and Ronaldinho of Brazil. As a soccer star, he is having the time of his life. Im just having a blast, he said. That was the goal all along. When you dont enjoy yourself, it takes a lot out of it.