'He sent letters to every club in the country': Dion Dublin credits his father Eddie with kickstarting his football career after he was dropped by Leicester City as a teenager
Dion Dublin has revealed his father Eddie is responsible for kickstarting his illustrious football career, after he was dropped by Leicester City at the age of 15.
The sporting star, 52, revealed his dad sent letters to numerous clubs asking them to sign his son, before he was eventually landed a contract with Norwich City in 1988.
Dion, who is currently starring on Celebrity Masterchef, also revealed his father was given the chance to be a professional footballer or go on tour with Rod Stewart as his bass player, and instead opted to pursue his passion for music.
History: Dion Dublin, 52, has revealed his father Eddie is responsible for kickstarting his illustrious football career, ahead of his appearance on Celebrity Masterchef
Speaking to The Mirror, Dion explained his father, who is now in his 80s, was determined to help his son become a football star, after he was dropped by Leicester as a teen.
He said: 'My dad was that convinced I was good enough, he wrote a letter and he photocopied it 92 times,' reveals Dion.
'He put stamps on them all and sent them out to every single professional football club in the country. He was asking for trials, saying, ''Give my son a chance''.
'He said, ''He's very good, he's this, he's that'' and then he just sat back and waited for the replies. I didn't know a thing about. One of the replies that came was from Norwich City.'
Sporting stardom: The football star revealed his dad sent letters to numerous clubs asking them to sign his son, before he was eventually landed a contract with Norwich City in 1988
Dion was eventually signed by the East Anglian club, and went onto play for top teams including Manchester United and Aston Villa.
The Homes Under The Hammer presenter also revealed Eddie opted to pursue his passion for music by touring with Rod Stewart, and he still plays bass for a reggae band.
Dion is set to compete opposite Katie Price, Joe Swash, Will Kirk and Melissa Johns on Celebrity Masterchef, and the star hinted that he took inspiration from his Caribbean background when cooking an array of dishes for the show.
Happy: Dion (pictured with his wife Louise) explained his father, who is now in his 80s, was determined to help his son become a football star
The footballer also reflected on the ongoing racist abuse that many sportsmen have faced, especially following the Euro 2020 Final.
Admitting that racism will 'never be eradicated,' Dion added that there should be greater education about 'black culture' in schools.
So far this year's Celebrity Masterchef has featured stars including Melanie Sykes, Megan McKenna and Penny Lancaster, with the latter failing to impress the judges with her culinary skills.
Celebrity MasterChef airs Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays on BBC One at 9pm.
Candid: The footballer also reflected on the ongoing racist abuse that many sportsmen have faced, especially following the Euro 2020 Final
