Glasgow Rangers Nigerian LB reveals he was rejected by Palace, Leyton Orient, Charlton

Italian-born Nigerian left-back Calvin Bassey has admitted that he was once rejected by three London based clubs namely Crystal Palace, Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic.

Though Bassey was disappointed when told he wasn't good enough, he moved on quickly and put all his energy into training sessions, and was eventually signed by Leicester City on September 2, 2015 following a successful trial.

Six years after his move to the Foxes, the Anglo-Italian-Nigerian defender is now rubbing shoulders with international players such as Filip Helander, Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Ianis Hagi in Glasgow Rangers first team.

Bassey was part of the Rangers squad that won the Scottish Premiership unbeaten last term and qualified for the last sixteen of the UEFA Europa League.

Speaking to Rising Ballers, Bassey said : "Terry Bobby sent me to Leyton Orient . They told me no.

"Crystal Palace, didn't get a call back from them, so a lot of no's, a lot of no's. Yeah, Charlton, Charlton".

Bassey's childhood pal added : "When Bassey was at Charlton, I think that was one of his toughest points still, he really had to push through that because he was there for so long.

"He hadn't made the cut and they released him. I can't lie it broke him.

"He was thinking about quitting football, he was thinking about doing other things, thinking about is it even worth it.

"Because when you are at a place for so long and then they just get rid of you like that it hurts".

Bassey is in contention to be involved in some capacity when Rangers start their title defence against Livingston on Saturday afternoon.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : rangers.co.uk