Old Trafford

An Indian teenager from the slums of Kolkata has been invited by Manchester United to come and train at Old Trafford.

The world's most famous club has invited Rajib Roy, 16, the son of a sex worker, to come to England and display his talent.

The striker is one of 11 players selected from across India to train at the home of the reigning Premier League champions this weekend.

The youngster revealed he does not understand English and is helped by his richer colleagues, who translate for him.

Rajib's life began to change thanks to a school soccer initiative.

He was part of the West Bengal squad that won the all India Slum tournament in Nagpur and was immediately called up for a training camp in Goa.

Rajib will be accompanied by his friend Arko Dey, whose mother makes a living selling potatoes.

"People keep asking me how it feels to be my mother's son and then achieve something like this. I don't know how to answer that question. But when my coach told me I had been selected by Manchester United it was like a father's recognition," Rajib said.

"My mother is a very shy person. She would lock me in my room after lunch so that I could take a nap, but I would quietly sneak out to play with my friends.

"Last month I was selected along with 30 others to participate in a camp in Goa through a nationwide school championship competition.

"I arrived late because I took a train from Kolkata. Everybody else took a flight.

"There were children from rich families who spoke English but I made friends quickly.

"There was a boy from Mumbai who spoke very good English and translated for me when I interacted with the coaches.

"He told me that it was perfectly fine if I was not able to communicate in English - a lot of Spanish footballers don't speak English either."