Jersey's Picotto achieves 'dream' Brentford deal

Luca Picotto playing for Brentford's Under 21 sideImage source, Brentford FC
Image caption,

Luca Picotto is playing for Brentford's Under-21 side

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Jersey footballer Luca Picotto says he has achieved his dream after signing a professional contract with Brentford.

The 18-year-old defender left Jersey when he was 14 to join Fulham's academy, but was released by the Cottagers in the summer.

However, he was picked up by their west London neighbours and has signed a one-year deal with the Premier League side.

"It's been amazing," Picotto told BBC Radio Jersey. "A lot of kids dream about it growing up and it was my main aim.

"So to finally achieve that is amazing, and to do it at Brentford is just a special feeling - a Premier League club."

The teenager hopes to become the first Jersey-born footballer to play in the top flight since Luke Harris came on as a substitute for Fulham against Manchester City in September 2023.

Picotto has already played in under-21 matches for Brentford and feels he is progressing well with the Bees.

"I feel like the style of play here really suits me as a player, it's quite fluid football and a lot of creativity and that just ticks all my boxes," he added.

"The step up from under-18s to under-21s, it's more physical but it's something that matches men's football a lot more.

"So it's definitely something that has allowed me to improve as a player and adapt to that kind of football and it's something that will continue to help me adapt to hopefully going into a first-team environment."

While Picotto's chances to get back to his home island are rare, he does take them when they arise.

He takes a great interest in the island side Jersey Bulls - for whom some of his friends play - and says he was touched by the support from the island when news that he had joined Brentford came out.

"Most of my family still live in Jersey and I've got loads of mates over there," he added.

"Even people that I don't really know, it was nice to see everyone showing their support for this achievement.

"It made me really happy to see everyone at home just feeling happy for me."