During an interview with Jamie Redknapp for the Daily Mail, Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe revealed he was once rejected by Chelsea for being too small.
Smith Rowe has been a revelation for the Gunners in the second-half of this campaign, with Mikel Arteta utilising the young talent on Arsenal’s books to halt their early season slump.
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The victory over Chelsea on Boxing Day felt like a turning point for the Gunners, with Smith Rowe himself being one of Arsenal’s best players on the night, showing the Blues what they missed out on when they decided to snub him many moons ago.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Smith Rowe revealed how Chelsea didn’t fancy him:
“I grew up in an area that should be more Crystal Palace than anything else, but I was an Arsenal fan. I trialled at Chelsea and didn’t get in. Something about me not being big enough, I’ve heard.”
“But Arsenal found out and picked me up. They were flexible, too. They knew I lived far away and told me to come in when I could. Tottenham showed interest but I stood by Arsenal. They’re my club.”
It’s pretty archaic, for Chelsea to be rejecting players based on their physical attributes, but considering how much potential he’s shown this term, you have to think those pulling the strings at the club’s academy are feeling pretty silly right now.
Smith Rowe has all the potential to be a future England midfielder, which would be hard for Chelsea to stomach – because he quite easily could have been playing his football for them.