Liverpool Youngster Ovie Ejaria Admits Being Released By Arsenal Was 'Tough to Take'

Young Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria has admitted that being released by Arsenal was 'tough to take' after spending nine years at the club until 2014.

The 18-year-old made his Liverpool debut on Tuesday, impressing in the 2-1 League Cup victory over Tottenham.

Ejaria's debut comes after impressing for Liverpool's various youth squads this season, as well as for the England U20 side.

But it hasn't been all smiles for the teenager in recent years, he admits that it was 'tough' to be released by Arsenal after spending nine years in north-London, but also claims that it is a 'shock' to see how far he has come since 2014.

“It was tough,” Ejaria told the Liverpool Echo . “And it came as a bit of a shock, to be honest. But I was fortunate enough to have offers from a number of clubs at different levels, some others in the London area and some up north too.

“I chose Liverpool and I’m pleased that I did.”

Despite being considered 'not good enough' by Arsenal, Michael Beale, Liverpool’s Under-23s coach, took the 18-year-old under his wing and gave him another opportunity, which is something that Ejaria is hugely appreciative of.

“Things have changed in a short space of time for me but it’s been really good.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learnt since coming to Liverpool is becoming more independent. After a while everything became more familiar and I started to enjoy myself more so that helped a lot.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time here at Liverpool so far and I hope I will have many more good times with the club in the future.”

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