Sports
From Arsenal Reject To Bundesliga Champion: Nathan Tella Reflects On Career Journey
- Nathan Tella, once part of Arsenal’s youth setup was released by the club, but he found success with Bayer Leverkusen.
- His journey included overcoming setbacks and pivotal decisions.
- Tella’s career reflects resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of perseverance.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Nathan Tella, a winger for Nigeria’s Super Eagles, expressed confusion when Arsenal opted to release him from their youth system.
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Nathan Tella began his journey with the Arsenal youth system at the age of 6, progressing to the club’s under-18 team on July 1, 2015.
Tella went on trials in 2017 and joined the team’s under-21 team on April 21, 2017. He gained promotion to the club’s senior team on July 1, 2020.
Following a loan spell at Burnley during the 2022-2023 season, Nathan Tella secured a permanent transfer to Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga on August 27, 2023, for a transfer fee of £23.20 million.
Teenager, Nathan Tella in Arsenal youth system
In the ongoing 2023-2024 season, Nathan Tella has featured in 36 matches, netting seven goals and contributing four assists across all competitions.
Tella’s impact at Bayer Leverkusen played a pivotal role in the team clinching their maiden German Bundesliga title this season.
Additionally, they stand on the brink of securing two more titles: the Europa League and the DFB-Pokal.
Reflecting on the setback of being released from Arsenal as a teenager, the 24-year-old winger shared with VAVEL that it was a challenging ordeal to navigate.
Tella celebrates Bundesliga Title with Bayer Leverkusen
“I couldn’t believe it, Arsenal was all I knew from the age of six when I got scouted”, Tella said.
“It was tough because I didn’t know what I wanted to do. Maybe stay at Arsenal, try to force their hand and make another decision, or if I was to go out on trials.
“I spoke to my family, I spoke to my agent they said it’s best to go on trials to see what I can do and get out of my comfort zone.”
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He added, “It was tough because I didn’t know what I wanted to do.”
Recalled that Nathan Tella made his international debut for the Nigerian Super Eagles on November 19, 2023. Since then, he has played just once for the country.
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