I mean depends what you class as making it, aware some will say actually achieving something in terms of trophies or putting up certain numbers and things like that. But to some I imagine breaking through in to the side you've come through at might be classed as making it, when he's probably seen a lot of friends end up out of the game.
Also did he declare he was going to be the best player in the division? I can remember him saying he wanted to be one of the best, not that he is the best. This is a genuine question by the way, as I may have missed it.