Andrea Borg made public the news and instantly his social media accounts lit up.

The Dubai-based Maltese footballer had just signed a trainee scholarship with Peterborough United, the third-tier English club, and immediately set about informing whomever he could, The National reported.

“As soon as I signed I called all my friends, put it on Facebook and posted the picture on Instagram," Andrea, 16, says, having agreed the deal earlier this month. “I started getting loads of friends requests from random people, who I actually don’t know. Everyone. From Peterborough, Dubai, Malta. Loads of replies saying well done."

Well, it was kind of a big deal. Andrea, a fleet-footed attacking midfielder who has lived in Dubai since he was eight, is one of a select few to make the transition from developmental football in the UAE to a professional English club, and so the attention is merited.

He first went to Peterborough in January to undergo a one-week trial, but impressed so much that he was asked to stay another week. Admirers included Jack Collison, the recently retired former West Ham United midfielder, whois now youth team manager at Peterborough.

Once back in Dubai, Andrea received news that Peterborough wanted him to return for what he expected to be another trial. So the youngster, currently preparing to sit his GCSEs at Gems Wellington, organised the trip with his father, Etienne, for the Easter holidays and the two set off again.

However, as soon as they arrived at Peterborough, the scholarship documents were ready and Andrea promptly signed a two-year contract.