Francois ‘honoured’ to sign pro deal with City

He added: “It’s a great moment for my family and it’s something I’ve been working for my whole life. I’m honoured it’s with such a great club Bristol City.”

Francois is a winger with the Under-23s and notes Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as his idols growing up. “I like the way they play but I also like Ronaldo’s mentality and that’s always been an inspiration for me,” he said. It was that drive and personality he worked on when he first kicking a ball in the back garden of his home, alongside his brother Tyrese who now plays for Fulham.

“My brother and I were always practising in the garden, always driving each other to get to the next level I’s always been our dream to become professional footballers,” he said.

Francois is now looking to the future, encouraged by previous Under-23s players such as Owura Edwards, Sam Bell and Ryley Towler who have all featured for the first team this season.

“It gives me motivation because these are players I’ve trained with day in, day out. They’ve been good role models to become a better player as well,” he said.

“Bristol City are obviously going in the right direction and the future is looking positive.”