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Rejection is something many young footballers have to deal with before making it at the top level.
For some, it becomes the reason they give up, while for others, it creates a fire within to keep going and prove people wrong.
One Arsenal player has now revealed he went through exactly that phase before getting his big opportunity in North London – Alexei Rojas Fedorushchenko.
The goalkeeper has revealed that he was turned down by four clubs, including Chelsea, before he became a Gunner.
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Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images Alexei Rojas says he was rejected by Chelsea before joining Arsenal
Rojas has admitted that his path to Arsenal was far from straightforward.
Before being picked up by the Gunners, he was turned away by several clubs, namely Chelsea, Norwich City, Watford and Crystal Palace.
That led to moments where he started doubting himself and questioning whether he was good enough to succeed at the highest level.
However, Rojas explained that the experience helped him grow mentally and made him stronger.
He said in an interview on El Tiempo: “I believed I was good, that I had the talent, yet I faced constant rejection. Chelsea, Norwich City, Watford, Crystal Palace… they all said no. And at that point, you start to doubt yourself.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
“You wonder if you truly have what it takes. But it was also a period that taught me a great deal. First and foremost: the value of family. My parents and my brother never stopped believing in me. Even when I doubted myself, they didn’t. And that is what sustains you. And secondly, it lies in understanding that things don’t always come when you want them to.
“Today, I see it this way: those ‘no’s’ were necessary for me to grow, so that I would be ready when the right opportunity finally arrived.”
Speaking about his move to the Emirates Stadium club, he said: “The (Arsenal) scout who spotted me explained that he didn’t just watch me during tough matches, but also during a very easy one, a game we won 10–0.
“He wanted to observe my concentration, my attitude, to see if I pushed myself just as hard, if I respected the game. He also watched me during a very tight match.
“That taught me something crucial: you have to perform at the same level in any context. Consistency is what truly makes the difference.”
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Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images Alexei Rojas’ path to the Arsenal first team is not straightforward
Rojas confirmed earlier this season that he has been promoted to the Arsenal first team by Mikel Arteta. That is a big step in his development.
However, breaking into the starting lineup will be extremely difficult. Arsenal already have David Raya as their number one and Kepa Arrizabalaga as the backup.
There are also other young goalkeepers in the system, such as Tommy Setford, Jack Porter and Khari Ranson, all of whom are highly rated.
With that level of competition, it is hard to see a clear pathway for Rojas to become the first-choice goalkeeper anytime soon.
For that reason, his long-term future may depend on opportunities elsewhere if he wants regular first-team football.
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