Arsenal winger Alex Iwobi has revealed how close he has come to leaving Arsenal in the past after once being advised to look for new pastures.
Both times came before the Nigerian international had broken into the Gunners' first team while he was still developing under the gaze of academy coaches.
The first instance will spark a familiar feeling for many as at just 14 there were concerns over his physical development where he was even deemed slow.
Nevertheless the 22-year-old has made more than 140 Arsenal appearances in his career so far and netted 14 goals along the way despite missing out on a professional contract at 16. His ability was not in doubt for many but the youngster had doubts over people's intentions when they suggested he should leave the club.
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Iwobi told Soccer AM: “At the age of 14 I was almost let go because I wasn’t physically developed, I was kind of small, I was slow, and they always used to say I need to work on my physicality. At the age of 16, a lot of people were given pro deals but I was only offered a scholar and they gave me the option to leave as well.
“I was the only one that played for England at the time and didn’t get offered a pro deal, everyone thought I was too good and I should leave, but I thought maybe there was a reason why they’re saying that, so I thought I’d stay and it was a good decision.”
Earlier this season the youngster revealed that Unai Emery was helping to add more than ever to his game, particularly in front of goal.
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He said: "This season I feel much better and I feel like I’m in control, especially going forward in an attacking sense.
I have an analyst now who is always trying to help me, which I didn’t have in seasons before, so he’s sending me clips and saying what I can do better.
"That’s helped me and I’d like to say I’ve been involved in a few goals this season, even it’s not the assist or the goal, I’ve been getting a few pre-assists which go unnoticed. But at the end of the day as long as the team does well, that’s my main concern."
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