Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has spoken about how his career was influenced by the fact that he was turned down by Arsenal and other clubs.
Arsenal let Eze go when he was a minor.
The player, who was born in Nigeria, had a similar run of bad luck at Reading, Fulham, and Millwall.
Both Sunderland and Bristol City passed on the opportunity to acquire his services.
But Eze was a star for Queens Park Rangers and is now an integral part of Crystal Palace’s success.
He spoke to Premier League Production about how difficult it was when he was young, particularly getting released.
To a child of that age, all they remember is that they and their mother wept because everyone was so distraught.
In retrospect, though, I see that as the beginning of my journey, and for that, I am eternally grateful. It gave me the strength and courage to be myself elsewhere; without it, I doubt I would have had it. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without it.
Last Saturday, Crystal Palace defeated Liverpool 1-0 thanks to a goal by Eze.