Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella has revealed how difficult it was for him after Arsenal decided not to offer him a professional contract.
Softfootball reported that Tella spent ten years in Arsenal’s youth setup and had hoped to make the step up into the first team, especially as a supporter of the club.
The Nigerian international admitted that the rejection was one of the toughest moments of his young career and almost affected his confidence as a footballer.
Tella, who now plays for Bayer Leverkusen, said returning to the Emirates as a champion and an unbeaten league winner felt special because of everything he had gone through earlier in his career.
Speaking with Tribalfootball, the winger explained that being released by Arsenal felt like his world had collapsed at the time.
He said it was the first major rejection he had experienced in his life, especially because he felt he was very close to achieving his dream of playing professionally for the club he loved.
Although the experience was painful, Tella used it as motivation to continue working hard and rebuild his career elsewhere.
His journey has since become an inspiring story of resilience, patience, and determination.
After leaving Arsenal, Tella continued his development, worked his way up, and eventually became an important player at Bayer Leverkusen.
For the Super Eagles winger, the disappointment of Arsenal’s rejection did not end his dream. Instead, it helped shape him into a stronger player who now understands the value of perseverance in football.
