Young Gun: Saurap Sampang | Young guns | News

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.