Antoine Semenyo has disclosed that he narrowly considered quitting football after facing multiple rejections from English clubs during his teenage years. In a recent interview with FIFA, the Ghana international recounted a challenging phase in his career wherein he attended various trials but was unable to secure academy contracts.
Semenyo detailed his experiences moving between several academies, having trials with prestigious clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, Fulham, Millwall, and Crystal Palace from ages 11 to 15. His time with Crystal Palace was particularly discouraging, as he spent two months on trial without being offered a contract, leading him to step away from the sport for a year.
“I went to quite a few academies between 11 and 15. Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Fulham, Millwall. Crystal Palace was my last trial at 15,” he told FIFA in an exclusive interview. “I went there for two months, didn’t get in, and (was) very frustrated that I wasn’t signed by any of the teams. I just ended up giving it up and focusing on school. I gave up for the year, enjoyed just being normal.”