Eddie Nketiah may be starring for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, but that felt very unlikely for him when he was released from Chelsea as a teenager.
The 23-year-old spent seven years in the Chelsea youth ranks and thought that he was impressing as he scored plenty of goals in a blue shirt.
However, he was released in 2015, something he admits was very tough to take, despite being picked up by Arsenal shortly after.
The forward reveals that it was his size which cost him at Chelsea, which he thinks led to his release and eventual move to join the Gunners.
‘I’d played a season of proper football for the local Sunday team, the Hillyfielders, and I was loving it and that kind of continued into Chelsea — had good trials, played well, scoring throughout the age groups,’ Nketiah told The Athletic.
On his release he said: ‘I was physically underdeveloped, small for my age, and it felt like a big moment because growing up in a sporting area, everyone knows you’re the young player who plays for Chelsea, and it almost becomes part of your identity. So it’s very tough to take it and let go.’
Nketiah has been enjoying a run in the Arsenal team this season due to injury to first choice striker Gabriel Jesus and he has responded well.
He has scored nine goals in all competitions and Mikel Arteta has been delighted with his contribution in the Brazilian’s absence.
‘What Eddie is doing is incredible,’ said the Spaniard last month. ‘I cannot say we saw that (coming). We were hoping that he could do that because of the way he is, his mentality, and how his qualities fit in the team.
‘Losing Gabi was a big blow. It is a big blow losing Gabi today but Eddie is responding with the team in an exceptional way.’
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