Nathan Tella returns to Emirates with Bayer Leverkusen seven years after Arsenal release

Nigeria Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella and his Bayer Leverkusen teammates will visit the Emirates Stadium today, seven years after Arsenal released him from their academy.

Tella, who joined Arsenal at the age of eight, had long dreamed of playing for the senior team. However, his hopes were dashed when the club let him go at 18.

Reflecting on his release, Tella shared with Football London, “My whole world just came crashing down. That was probably the first time in my life I’d ever been rejected from something in a sense. I had worked so hard to reach that level, and technically, it was the last step before I could consider myself a professional for Arsenal. I was one step away from fulfilling my dream for the club I support.”

After leaving Arsenal, Tella trialed at Reading and Norwich before finding a home at Southampton. Despite an injury setback, he thrived on loan at Burnley, which led to his transfer to Bayer Leverkusen.

In his debut season with Leverkusen, Tella played a key role as the team completed an unbeaten campaign and won the Bundesliga title.

As Tella and Leverkusen prepare for their pre-season friendly against Arsenal, the Nigerian winger is excited to return to the Emirates as a champion. He says, “Going back to the Emirates as a champion, as an invincible, is an amazing feeling. My main focus is the game and performing well. A win for Leverkusen would be great, but playing in front of my family and friends at the Emirates, as an Arsenal fan, is a very special experience for me.”