Nigeria’s international star, Alex Iwobi says he’s twice come close to dumping Arsenal for other clubs in Europe.
The winger who teamed up with the London side as young kid revealed that he almost left Arsenal’s academy at age 14 and 16 after concerns about his physical development and not receiving a first-team contract.
Iwobi said: “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.”
The Super Eagles midfielder also disclosed how tough Arsenal has been under new coach Unai Emery saying there is a wide gurf between the man’s technique and that of former coach Arsene Wenger.
He said: “Unai Emery has brought a new steel to the team. The team is no longer the soft touch it was considered under previous manager Arsene Wenger.”
“There is a lot more fight in us this season. There is a lot more intensity.
“So even though it’s been up and down this season, there are a lot more pros than maybe the previous one.”
Iwobi also hails Arsenal’s current goalscoring power saying that the Gunners have the weapons to hurt teams in “comedian” strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
The pair have scored 37 goals between them this term.
Iwobi told The Sun of London: “They are like twins. They are both comedians but are both quality strikers.
“It’s nice to have those two making everything in training a fun competition so you improve as well.”
Iwobi is full of praise for German teammate Mesut Ozil in spite of frequent criticisms from the fan and football buffs.
With the Gunners aiming to win the Europa League and secure a top four finish in the Premier League, Ozil could have a crucial part to play in the remainder of the campaign.
“Fans sometimes don’t appreciate what he (Ozil) gives to the team.
“I don’t know the stats but with Mesut in the team you are always going to get at least three chances a game from him.
“He always provides an excellent pass or something, a good move or play that leads to a goal, or almost leads to a goal.’
“Mesut is a great player and he also works hard off the ball.”