FORMER Arsenal youth player Luke Ayling has revealed the reason he never made it in North London – Thierry Henry.
The Middlesbrough full-back joined the Gunners youth setup at the age of 8.
Getty – ContributorLuke Ayling (left) was part of Arsenal’s successful youth side in the mid-2000s[/caption]
But an encounter with Thierry Henry in training opened his eyes to top-level footballNews Group Newspapers Ltd
AlamyAfter leaving the Gunners, Ayling has carved out a successful career and currently plays for Boro[/caption]
Ayling spent over a decade with the club, signing his first professional contract in July 2009.
The ex-Leeds star rubbed shoulders with Jack Wilshere and Kyle Bartley during his rise through the academy ranks.
But after being asked to mark Premier League legend Henry in a training game as a 16-year-old, reality hit home.
He told Joe Wilkinson on hit podcast My Mate’s A Footballer: “I trained with Henry.
“The first training session, I was about 16.
“He absolutely destroyed me in that first training session.
“It took me about two years to go back over there to train [with the first team]. Because he’d done me that much.”
Ayling made it just once onto a first-XI teamsheet during his Arsenal career.
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His call came in the 2009/10 season when he appeared on the bench against Olympiacos in a Champions League game.
The full-back signed for Yeovil Town that summer, ending his decade-long association with the club.
Ayling jokingly added with a grin: “Henry ruined my Arsenal career. Cheers T.”
Despite being let go by the Gunners, Ayling has gone on to enjoy a successful career.
Arsenal ratings vs Preston
ARSENAL cruised through their Carabao Cup tie at Preston.
The Gunners won 3-0 to set up a home tie against Crystal Palace in the next round.
Sun Sport’s Sam Dymond reveals who has done enough to feature in the quarter final – and who might be a bit worried.
Tommy Setford – 6
A clean sheet on debut for the teenager. After a quiet first half, he looked nervous when put under pressure by Preston’s forward.
Jurrien Timber – 7
Really looking the part in the Arsenal defence after injury. His crosses caused chaos before being replaced at half-time
William Saliba – 7
Settled back into the side after suspension, and was rarely troubled on a night where he continually swept up possession.
Jakub Kiwior – 8
Partnered Saliba admirably in defence, but showed his attacking worth by providing two assists.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 7
A solid display before his removal on the hour, perhaps with one eye on the weekend.
Jorginho – 7
Kept things moving in midfield, and even showed off some sublime skill when the opportunity arose.
Mikel Merino – 7
A much more confident performance from the Spaniard following his goal on Sunday. Combined well with Martinelli and Nwaneri during the opening 45 minutes.
Ethan Nwaneri – 9
Serenaded by the Arsenal fans as ‘one of their own’, this talented teenager once again excited Gooners everywhere.
The scorer of one sublime strike, he came so close to bagging a second goal too.
Raheem Sterling – 7
The Carabao Cup king did everything but score. Perhaps let down by his decision making, he’s looking more at home at Arsenal than he ever did at Chelsea.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Constantly alive to the ball inside the box, he was rewarded with a first goal since January to get the scoring underway.
Gabriel Martinelli – 8
Often Arsenal’s biggest attacking threat with his direct running and ability to beat defenders. Replaced after taking a couple of heavy knocks.
Subs
Thomas Partey – 6
Replaced Timber at the break and once again did the job asked of him with few complaints.
Kai Havertz – 8
Scored a superb header shortly after his arrival as a half-time sub, and was an imposing figure in both penalty areas.
Bukayo Saka – 6
More minutes in the legs for the Arsenal star as he continues the recovery from his hamstring injury.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6
Misplaced a couple of passes after his introduction, but fits in well among the first-team squad.
Ayden Heaven – 6
Offered a glimpse of genuine pace as he made his senior debut for the final ten minutes.
He played over 140 times for Yeovil before earning a move to Bristol City and then Leeds.
Ayling became a firm fan favourite at Elland Road, helping them return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years in 2020.
He is currently on the books at Championship side Middlesbrough and has appeared 12 times for Michael Carrick‘s promotion hopefuls this season.