Bayer Leverkusen's Tella: Arsenal's release left me stunned

The young player had dreams of becoming a star player for the Gunners, but after ten years in the youth setup, he was disappointed to not be offered a professional contract.

Now he is a star worth millions, given he thrived at Southampton and got a move to Bayer Leverkusen.

"Going back to the Emirates as a champion, as an invincible as well, it's a great feeling, and it's an amazing feeling," he said prior to a pre-season friendly between the two teams. 

"The day that happened, when I got released, my whole world just came crashing down.

"That was probably the first time in my life I'd ever been rejected from something in a sense. I was one step away from ultimately fulfilling my dream for the club I support. It was really hard for me at the time."