West Ham youngster Ollie Scarles says he cried for days after being released by Chelsea but the Hammers picked him up and gave him some much-needed confidence.
The midfielder marked his 17th birthday earlier this month by putting pen to paper on his first professional contract with the east London club. The left-footer signed this deal just six months after penning his Scholarship papers as well.
The teenager, who made his first-team debut in the UEFA Europa Conference League Group B clash away to FCSB in November, is over the moon to extend his stay at the London Stadium but earlier on in his fledgling career, the outlook was not quite as rosy.
READ MORE: Ollie Scarles' first words after signing first professional contract with West Ham
Scarles admitted he was very dejected when Chelsea let him go at the age of 11 but West Ham came to the rescue not long afterwards.
Not only did they give him a chance to shine in football, but he says they have made him a better person over the past six years of being with them.
"When I was 11 I was released by Chelsea. Obviously you can imagine my heart dropped. I was disappointed," he told West Ham's website.
"I think I cried for about three days but not long after West Ham approached me, invited me in for a trial and within about six weeks I had signed.
"Honestly West Ham has helped me and picked me up. They've helped me with my confidence and they've done everything good for me."
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