Chelsea’s Shocking Release at 14 Fueled my Determination – Nketiah

Arsenal’s forward Eddie Nketiah has said being rejected at Chelsea at age 14 was all the motivation he needed to break through the ranks at the Emirates.

The 24-year-old who was recently given a call-up by Gareth Southgate for England’s upcoming matches due to his fine form has two goals from his first four appearances this season and feels that being let go by Chelsea made him more determined.

His words: “I think it did. I was there from the ages of nine and 14 and it came as a shock to me because I was doing well at the time. It gives you an awakening knowing that things can change like that – that you can lose everything you have worked for.

“It gives you that extra motivation and resilience when times are hard. I’m able to dig a level deeper than maybe some people can or don’t want to go into. It’s all part of the experience. Some boys might not have experienced it but then they will have had lows in their careers. This was my journey and it has helped me be who I am today.

“There have been different opportunities and different thought processes along the way.

“I have always believed that I can make it and play here. Everyone’s journey is different but this is my journey. There has always been transfer talk and speculation, but I am happy that I have taken this route and I am proud to be part of Arsenal. It feels like home to me. I’m excited for the future.”

When the Three Lions faces Ukraine on Saturday and Scotland next week on Tuesday, Nketiah who recently signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal will be hoping to get the nod from Southgate.