Eddie Nketiah is using his rejection from Chelsea to become stronger, just like Declan Rice did.

Declan Rice and Eddie Nketiah have been reunited at Arsenal and England. Both players were in the Chelsea academy but were let go as teenagers. Rice went to West Ham, while Nketiah joined Arsenal. After a £105m transfer, the two are now club teammates.

Thanks to impressive early-season form from Nketiah, they are also international teammates as the forward has been called up to the England squad for the first time. Reflecting on his release from Chelsea 10 years ago, Nketiah says it has helped him mentally ever since.

"I think it did [make me more determined]," said the 24-year-old. "It gives you that extra bit of motivation and resilience when times are hard. I'm able to dig a level deeper than maybe some people can or don't want to go into. It's all part of the experience."

Nketiah also shared his thoughts on his similar story to Rice. "It is funny how life works sometimes. We have done the full 360 to be back together. We had different journeys to get here, but we are all on the same path for club and country."

The two have gone through similar paths and have come full circle to be reunited. It is a testament to their resilience and determination to make it to the top. Despite being let go from Chelsea as teenagers, they are now club teammates and international teammates for England. It is a remarkable achievement for both Rice and Nketiah.

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