Tottenham Hotspur’s star striker Harry Kane was released from Arsenal’s academy at the age of 12. Roy Massey was the Arsenal academy manager at the time and made the decision to let Kane leave. In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Massey admitted that he did not believe Kane was good enough to become a professional footballer. However, he also acknowledged that they were totally mistaken about Kane’s potential.
After being released by Arsenal, Kane spent three years without a club before being signed by Tottenham Hotspur. Massey said that Kane was a lovely young player who was quiet and shy, but they did not think he had what it takes to make it as a professional.
Despite his mistake with Kane, Massey has helped nurture several other talents such as Bukayo Saka, Jack Wilshere, Emile Smith-Rowe, Josh Dasilva, and Joe Willock, all of whom have had successful careers in the Premier League.
Massey went on to explain that releasing young players is a difficult decision as they do not have a crystal ball. They cannot predict which players will go on to become successful. He also mentioned that when Kane was released, he went on to play for his Sunday league club for the next three years before being discovered by Tottenham Hotspur.
The story of Harry Kane’s release from Arsenal’s academy is a reminder that young players develop at different rates and that it is essential to encourage aspiring footballers. Massey’s mistake in releasing Kane is proof that it is impossible to predict which players will go on to become successful. The interview also showcased Massey’s dedication to developing young footballers, and his success in bringing through talented players such as Saka, Wilshere, Smith-Rowe, Dasilva, and Willock.
The lesson that can be learned from Massey’s experience is that young players must be given the support and encouragement they need to develop their skills, and that it is important to believe in their potential. Kane’s journey to becoming Tottenham Hotspur’s star striker serves as an inspiration to young players who may be overlooked but who have the ambition and ability to succeed in professional football.
