Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Harry Kane admitted that a rejection from Arsenal when he was young ignited a motivation for his playing career. Kane joined the Arsenal academy when he was eight in 2001 and was released one year later to the Blackburn Rovers young team.
Long story short, Kane then ended up playing for Spurs who is Arsenal’s North London archrival. During his career so far, he has played 20 games against The Gunners and scored 15 goals. The latest came in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal at the Emirates in Bayern Munich’s outfit.
Harry Kane comments on having a point to prove against Arsenal
“We played them at least twice a year for the last 10 years [with Tottenham] and it was always a big occasion, big moment,” Kane said via Telegraph. “Maybe it was in the back of my mind, being released from a young age, and there is always a point to prove.
“I am the type of player who, throughout my career, has had points to prove along the way. I don’t think that ever leaves you. It will always be in my DNA, until I retire. There will always be a reason to prove someone wrong or to prove myself I can do something.”
He said that his focus is to help Bayern chase the only possible trophy for them.
“I don’t think specifically back to that and think ‘I was released when I was nine years old, I really have to make a difference tomorrow.’ Now I am at Bayern Munich it is about being a top team in the Champions League. Of course I have history with them [Arsenal], but all I can do is try to help Bayern Munich.”
Bayern have an advantage when returning to Allianz Arena for the second leg. Thomas Tuchel’s squad would play in front of their own crowd in a game where history has favored them. Six times FC Hollywood hosted Arsenal, they won four with the two last meetings ending with a 5-1 victory.
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