_**Our Young Gun series gets to know the academy youngsters kicking off their careers at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.**_
_Saurap Sampang spoke to us recently about his near decade of experience at Arsenal, travelling to Brazil and why he looks up to Gabriel Jesus despite being a midfielder._
I grew up in Ashford, Kent, and I started playing football when I was about four. My dad bought me a ball, and I just loved being outside, kicking it around whenever I could. He could see how much I enjoyed it, so he signed me up for a Sunday League team, and that’s really where it all began.
Both of my parents are from Nepal, and I’m incredibly proud of my heritage. It means a lot to me, and I hope I can inspire more South Asian footballers to keep pushing so we see more of us playing at this level. I can speak a bit of the language too, which keeps me connected to my roots.
I’ve been an Arsenal fan my whole life. Growing up, I looked up to players like Messi, for me, the best to ever do it. Around the club, I really admired Mesut Ozil. He was a magician on the ball, so composed and effortless in the way he played. Now, I’d say Declan Rice is someone I look up to. I’m a box-to-box central midfielder, and I’d love to model parts of my game on his leadership, his energy and the way he controls matches.
One of the Sunday League teams I played for was Ashford United. Through playing in tournaments with them, I was scouted by three academies, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal. I trained with all three, but Arsenal just felt right. I felt more comfortable there, and it felt like home.
I joined the under-9s, and I’ve been here ever since. I’ve made so many great memories at Hale End, but one that stands out was when we travelled to Brazil at the under-16 level to compete in the Flamengo Adidas Cup, and we won it. Just being in Brazil was incredible. You really feel their passion for football; it’s everywhere you go. We also travelled to Florida, which was another amazing experience.
I signed my scholarship in the summer, and it was a surreal moment for my family and me. Everyone was so proud. I found out in a meeting, and I was buzzing, but at the same time, I knew that was just the beginning. The real work starts now. Jack Talbot, Brando Bailey-Joseph and Teshaun Murisa have all been here since under-9s, so to now represent the under-18s is really special.
Since becoming a scholar at Sobha, I feel like I’ve developed massively. I’m learning every single day. It’s challenging at times, but I enjoy that. I embrace those challenges because they’re what push you to improve.
> "Arsenal just felt right. I felt more comfortable there, and it felt like home."
I haven’t played as many games for the under-18s as I would’ve liked yet, but recently, I’ve had more opportunities with them, which has been a great experience. It’s definitely a step up, but I feel ready for that level now. I just need to keep taking my chances when they come.
I’ve also trained with the first team a number of times. It’s tough; you immediately see the difference. The tempo is so much quicker, everyone is sharper, stronger and faster.
It takes time to adjust, but it’s an incredible experience and gives you a real insight into what’s required to become a Premier League player. Someone who really stands out in training is Gabriel Jesus; he’s unpredictable, so skilful, and his finishing is top-class.
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