Arsenal official: 17-year-old Muriisa signs first professional contract, has been at the club since age 6

According to Arsenal's official announcement, Teshan Muriisa said he thanked his family and fulfilled a dream by signing his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old has been at Arsenal since the age of six and has now signed a first-team contract after 11 years with the club.

At the Sobha Realty Training Centre, with his family by his side, Teshan further realized how important this day was for his career.

"I am so happy to achieve the dream of signing my first professional contract," he said. "Especially to do it at a big club like Arsenal makes this moment even more special."

"I have been here since I was six, so it means even more to me. I am also really grateful to my family for always supporting me."

"We have been through a lot together, and today they are here, just like they have always been alongside me, so it makes this even more meaningful."

"I was at Hale End for around 10 years, and I saw a lot of people going through the same pathway that you want to follow; now that I have actually achieved it, it feels even better."

Teshan has always been part of the same group of young Arsenal players, growing through the academy levels together, winning the U16 Premier League Cup and appearing in the FA Youth Cup match against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium.

The midfielder values these connections highly and believes they have helped him improve both on and off the pitch.

"I think this helps us really connect, not just on the pitch but also off it, where we are like friends."

"We are more like a family now. So I really enjoy playing with them, seeing them every day and spending time with them."

"The thing that has impressed me most is the midfield teammates I have played alongside for a long time. There has always been Malik (Hashi), Shaurap (Sambong) and sometimes Dowman."

In addition to having plenty of midfield talent in the academy ranks, Arsenal's first team also has several top midfielders.

Teshan enjoys the challenge of chasing the standards set by first-team players and believes it gives him clear goals as he continues to develop.

"I think it is important to have some players in the first team who you want to become like, because that gives you a target to chase and reach."

"Especially players like Rice, they give you advice, help and tips, telling you what you need to do to reach their level."

The contract is still subject to the completion of relevant regulatory processes. Reported on May 26, 2024.