Norwich City striker Simeon Jackson has spoken of his pride at the way that his career has unfolded.
The 25-year-old was close to retiring from the game when he was released by Gillingham in 2010.
However, two years on he is now in the Premier League with the Canaries and is on the verge of qualifying for the next World Cup with the Canadian national team.
"I started from nothing, from scratch, I can tell you that much," Jackson told FIFA.com. "I worked my way up from bottom. I'm very proud of where I've ended up; it was a long and hard road.
"There were a lot of times, more than I can say in the time we have, when I was ready to throw in the towel and go back to Canada. One time I remember, I was released from Gillingham and I was nowhere, there was no future. I was gutted, but my family wouldn't let me stop, they wouldn't let me give up on my dream.
"The glamour, the big stadiums, the crowds, it makes you appreciate the little things on the way up even more. I had to work for everything I got, and I am a grateful man."
Jackson has made 32 appearances for Canada.
