I grew up in an area that should be more Crystal Palace than anything else, but I was an Arsenal fan.
“I grew up in an area that should be more Crystal Palace than anything else, but I was an Arsenal fan.”
The World Motivation
I grew up in an area that should be more Crystal Palace than anything else, but I was an Arsenal fan.
“I grew up in an area that should be more Crystal Palace than anything else, but I was an Arsenal fan.”
I grew up in an area that should be more Crystal Palace than anything else, but I was an Arsenal fan.
I feel like I've grown and matured into a stronger and more confident person.
Before I went to Arsenal, I went on trial at Chelsea through one of my team mates at my local team. He was on trial there already and he put in a word for me. I don't know how he managed it but I got a trial at Chelsea but I didn't get it.
I'm happy to play anywhere. Maybe it is inside, maybe it's wide.
For me, playing for Arsenal, growing up an Arsenal fan and my family around me, it was easy.
I trialled at Chelsea and didn't get in. Something about me not being big enough, I've heard. But Arsenal found out and picked me up.
Even though I was sitting on the bench at Arsenal, I made myself prepare like I was going to play, thinking about the game properly. I had to be ready.
Jack Wilshere is a prime example of how things work. He went to Bolton and did really well, then he went back to Arsenal and really kicked on. It is something quite a few of the young boys look at and think, 'If he can do it, so can we.'
When I decided to leave Arsenal, I also decided that I would only be interested in playing in England or Germany. Why Swansea? I think it is the best place for me to make progress.
I thought Arsenal was an amazing club, Arsene Wenger was there at the time and he gave young players a chance. They played football in a way I liked, offensive, a lot of possession. I wanted to take the risk, go there and show everyone I could make it.