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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Jacob Steinberg

Eddie Nketiah: shock release by Chelsea at 14 made me more determined

Eddie Nketiah speaking to the media
Eddie Nketiah has been called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the first time. Photograph: Martin Rickett/PA

Eddie Nketiah has said that the heartbreak of being rejected by Chelsea as a youngster gave him the determination to succeed at Arsenal. The striker has fought back from being released by the west London club when he was 14 and has been rewarded for his recent good form by being called up by England for the first time.

Nketiah, England’s record goalscorer at under-21 level, has risen through the ranks at Arsenal and is competing with Gabriel Jesus to be the first-choice striker. The 24-year-old has two goals from his first four appearances this season and feels that being let by go by Chelsea made him more determined.

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