Ghanaian striker Antoine Semenyo has shared the challenges he faced on his path to the Premier League, revealing that he encountered rejection from prominent clubs such as Chelsea and Arsenal during his early career.

Semenyo, now 24, revealed, “I think I went to Millwall four times, went to Tottenham, went to Arsenal, went to Chelsea, I went to so many clubs and I just got the same result: never making it. I remember Palace being the last place being rejected.”

Reflecting on the emotional toll of these rejections, Semenyo acknowledged, “Being so young, I couldn’t cope with the emotions of rejection… I felt like I needed to take a break, go back to friends, go back to school, just focus and recuperate, give myself a year to calm down because I felt like the rejection was so much.”

However, Semenyo highlighted that these setbacks ultimately contributed to his growth and resilience, stating, “That was obviously a tough part of my life, but yeah, I felt like it built character and the mentality I have now, so I’m grateful.”

Semenyo’s perseverance paid off when Bournemouth signed him for £10 million in January 2023. Since then, he has become a key player for the club, impressing with eight goals and two assists in 31 Premier League appearances this season.

Furthermore, Semenyo’s standout performances have earned him a nomination for Bournemouth’s Player of the Season award, solidifying his status as a rising talent in English football.