Speaking on The Beautiful Game Podcast, Jaidon Anthony has been discussing his departure from Arsenal.
The Bournemouth ace was at Arsenal from the age of six to the age of 16, but despite being in their system for a decade, he wasn’t handed a scholarship contract when the time came and he had to leave.
Anthony says that this was a huge setback in his career, and he also claims that this was an incredibly tough time as he had to scramble around for a new club.
Difficult
The 22-year-old says it was tough to leave the Gunners.
“Was it your choice to leave Arsenal?” Anthony was asked.
“No, I wish I could say it was. I just got released age 16,” Anthony said.
“To be fair it was two-year contracts at a time. I got one to 16 and then I thought I was doing well, but there was some special talent in my age group, I didn’t get a scholar and I had to move on.”
“It was tough, it was a tough time, you don’t know what is going to happen next and you have to build yourself back up.”
Bounced back
Many players in Anthony’s situation at that age struggle to bounce back and make a career for themselves, but the 22-year-old got his head down and made a success of himself.
Yes, he’s not quite at the level of a club like Arsenal, but he’s a Premier League footballer who looks to have a bright future ahead of him.
To be honest, he probably could’ve been a squad player for Arsenal this season if he was still on the books – Mikel Arteta’s side are lacking depth on the wings, but sadly, a career at the Emirates wasn’t meant to be for Anthony.
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