Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney has revealed what inspired him to pursue a career in football from a young age. The 27-year-old defender, who has been an integral part of the Gunners squad when fit, spoke to _Arsenal Media_ about the key influences that shaped his journey in the sport.
### **A Love for Football from the Start**
Tierney credited his parents as the first and most important influence on his football career. Their support, encouragement, and guidance played a vital role in his early years, instilling a passion for the game.
“Obviously your parents first of all, they are the ones who love, support, and guide you in those early days and bring you up in that life,” Tierney said.
Growing up in Scotland, where football is deeply ingrained in the culture, Tierney’s surroundings also played a significant role in his development. He emphasized how the footballing environment helped nurture his love for the sport.
“But also growing up where I did, football is the main sport in Scotland anyway, but the environment I was in gave me a real love for the game.”
### **Trips to Celtic Park Cemented His Passion**
As a boyhood Celtic fan, Tierney developed a deep connection with the club from an early age. He recalled how traveling on supporter buses to watch his beloved team had a massive impact on his dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
“Going on the supporter buses every week to watch the games, going to a massive stadium to watch Celtic, going to the away grounds – it just brings that love for the game and I had that from a young age.”
Watching live matches at packed stadiums and experiencing the emotions of the game firsthand only fueled his ambitions further.
### **Henrik Larsson: A Childhood Hero**
Like many Celtic fans of his generation, Tierney idolized Swedish striker Henrik Larsson. The legendary forward was a pivotal figure for Celtic during his time at the club, scoring goals at an astonishing rate and becoming a fan favorite.
“My parents were a huge part of that, and I looked up to the players as well – Henrik Larsson was a hero for me,” Tierney admitted.
Seeing Larsson’s brilliance on the pitch and the impact he had on Celtic undoubtedly inspired Tierney to pursue a career in professional football.
### **A Journey That Led to Arsenal**
Tierney’s passion and dedication eventually saw him rise through the ranks at Celtic, where he became one of the club’s best young talents before securing a move to Arsenal in 2019. Since joining the Gunners, he has been admired for his commitment, work ethic, and defensive ability.
As he continues his career at the highest level, it’s clear that his early experiences, family support, and love for the game played crucial roles in shaping the player he is today.