Nigerian forward Nathan Tella has shared his disappointment over being released by Arsenal at the start of his career.

Tella spent a decade at Arsenal’s Hale End academy, growing up alongside rising stars such as Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe.

While Nelson and Smith Rowe progressed to Arsenal’s senior team, Tella was released at 17, leaving him uncertain about his future.

“For me, it was a bit of an embarrassment because I didn’t know how I was going to tell all my friends and family that I was leaving Arsenal,” the forward told TalkSport.

“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 go out on trials,” he continued.

After consulting with his family and agent, he decided to attend trials, leading him to Reading, Norwich, and ultimately Southampton.

At Southampton, Nathan Tella rebuilt his career, making 32 appearances over two seasons.