article_snippet.sent: The 34-year-old midfielder, who started his professional career at West Ham, admits moving to London from his family home in the north east at the age of 15 was one of the biggest challenges his ever faced. '
article_snippet.sent: Moving to London at 15 was a struggle, but the best thing I ever did,' his said.
article_snippet.sent: Carrick (right) moved to West Ham as a 15-year-old, and says Carrick (right) forced his to grow up fast . '
article_snippet.sent: The football was great, but when you were going back [to where you were staying] you didn't have someone there.
article_snippet.sent: You didn't have a mobile phone back then, a mobile phone was a case of going to the phone box [to call home]. 'Things like that now you take for granted
article_snippet.sent: but then it was a big deal.
article_snippet.sent: But it helped me grow.
article_snippet.sent: it shaped me a lot faster than if I'd stayed in Newcastle and been pampered.'