Lakyle Samuel, a Manchester City academy graduate currently on loan at Exeter City, has opened up about blocking out conspiracies that his late father, former Aston Villa defender Jlloyd Samuel, is still alive. The 20-year-old is focused on his burgeoning career and his dream of playing for England.
Father's Death and Conspiracy Theories
Jlloyd Samuel enjoyed an eight-year career at Aston Villa before spells across England, Wales and Iran, eventually returning to the UK as a player-manager for Cheshire-based Egerton. His life was cut short in May 2018 when he died in a car crash after his Range Rover collided with a van and caught fire.
After leaving Bolton Wanderers in 2011, Jlloyd joined Iranian side Esteghal and reportedly married a second wife, fashion designer Helia Sahimi, and converted to Islam without his family's knowledge. Sahimi insists the former footballer is still alive, a belief shared by Jlloyd's sister, Leslie-Ann.
Jlloyd's death came just hours after taking his children, including Lakyle, to school. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Lakyle recalled: "I've got memories of playing football in the garden with dad, him doing drills with me in the hallway."
Blocking Out the Conspiracies
Lakyle said: "He's influenced me a lot. My mum tells me what he did in the past. I just want to be the best person I can be. He was a great person to a lot of people. They say he was the life of the party, and whenever I meet someone who knew him, they speak really highly of him. I take that on. I always want to be a bubbly character and as nice as possible."
He added: "I just hope he's proud. I've given a lot to get where I am, especially going through that. It's tough to deal with. I just try and block it out (conspiracies about him). It doesn't have much to do with my life. I've had my experiences with him and if other people want to say other stuff, I'm not too bothered. I've had what I've had with him and it's not going to change my point of view on him. He gave us a really good upbringing. He's dad, innit?"
England Ambitions and Advice from Kyle Walker
Lakyle, who plays for England's U20 side, credited Kyle Walker as a role model. He said: "Kyle Walker was a really good role model. He told me some key details on defensive body shape. The level of detail Pep (Guardiola) goes into is mad. It raises your game because you have to be on it."
He trained with the senior England team last October when Thomas Tuchel needed extra players. "I only knew about half an hour before!" he revealed. "The tempo of the session was high because they're the best players in the country. I didn't feel I did too bad! I was really proud to have that experience."
Lakyle made his professional debut last year with League Two side Bromley and has returned to the fourth tier with Exeter City this season, with high expectations on the youngster.
