Alex Iwobi was pleasantly surprised to see the redeveloped Hale End Academy for the first time.

The Nigeria international graduated from the academy, along with his good pal Chuba Akpom, and was rewarded for his efforts with the U23s when he made his debut for the first team against Sheffield Wednesday in October 2015.

“It looks so futuristic compared to when I was there. I’ve seen new buildings, new pitches, and it just looks amazing,” Iwobi told arsenal.com.

“Someone sent me a picture of my photo hanging up at Hale End. I thought, ‘That’s crazy because back in the day I was looking at Jack Wilshere and all the big players that have come through’.

“I wouldn’t want to say that I’m one of them because I’ve still got a long way to go in my career and things to prove, but I’m one who has graduated through this academy and it’s a crazy feeling.”

Héctor Bellerín, Cesc Fàbregas, Sebastian Larsson, Johan Djourou and Hal Robson-Kanu graduated from the Hale End Academy.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : arsenal.com