Lewis says he was ready to walk away from the game at 18 years of age.
He recalled to the BBC Sport: "Before I signed my scholarship, I was talking to my dad in the car on the way and, obviously it sounds stupid now, but I was saying to him if by the time I'm 18 if I'm not training with the first team then I'll be looking at other options."
He also said: "You've almost got to act as if it's just a normal thing but at the time it's kind of crazy to try and familiarise yourself with these player.
"I think it's something that you just have to kind of take in your stride and if you're meant to be in that environment, you will do."