Arsenal Picked Two Players Over Harry Kane During Academy Days

It was a defining moment that helped motivate Harry Kane to become one of the best players in the world. "Looking back on it now, it was probably the best thing that ever happened to me."

At the age of eight, Kane was released by Arsenal because he was "a bit chubby" and "not very athletic", according to the club's former academy director, Liam Brady, who admits they "made a mistake" by letting him go.

With hindsight, it was a monumental oversight by the North London club, but at the time, Kane was forced to compete with some of the best prospects in the country, including Benik Afobe and Chuks Aneke.

Afobe, who was considered a better athlete than Kane, was earmarked for stardom at the Gunners, while Aneke was more prolific than his fellow forward.

Dan Buck, who coached Kane, Afobe and Aneke at youth level, gave an insight into their talent.

"On Saturday mornings, I’d do a session with the under-nines who weren’t selected for the matches on Sundays, and Harry ended up being with that squad a lot more than he would’ve liked," he told The Athletic.

“Benik and Chuks would rock up on a Sunday and score about seven each, and poor Harry would get five minutes."

Kane has since admitted he had a "chip on his shoulder" after leaving Arsenal. It served as motivation more than anything.

"It might sound ridiculous. I was only eight when they let me go, but every time we played them, I thought, 'Alright, we'll see who's right and who's wrong'", he told The Players' Tribune.

"Looking back on it now, [being released by Arsenal] was probably the best thing that ever happened to me because it gave me a drive that wasn't there before. For me, the rejection is the best thing that ever happened to me."

The striker has gone on to become England and Tottenham's all-time top goalscorers, while Afobe and Aneke featured for England at youth level, but failed to get anywhere near the achievements of Kane.

Kane is England's all-time top scorer with 78 goals in 112 appearances. Image credit: Getty

Afobe, who most recently played for Qatari club Mesaimeer, made 63 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth following a prolific spell at Wolves. He would go on to play for Stoke City and Millwall.

Aneke, meanwhile, plays his club football for League Two side Shrewsbury Town. His CV includes spells at MK Dons, Charlton and Birmingham City.