Throughout the season, we'll be catching up with our young Gunners to find out more about their route to our academy. This week, Jakai Fisher discusses looking up to Ronaldinho, watching Arsenal players training, and his playing style.
Growing up in Leytonstone, Arsenal was more than a team – it was a family affair that fuelled my love for football. My nan, Nana Audria, played a special role, joining me at matches, cheering me on and encouraging me. We have a really close bond between us. My family, whose roots are in Jamaica and St Vincent, have always been very supportive of me.
I started playing football at six and I would go to Goals a lot. It became like a second home for me, where I played in tournaments with my friends. I looked up to the likes of Ronaldinho – the way he played got me hooked on football. The videos I’ve seen of him dribbling past players and doing his skills are amazing. I also loved watching Ronaldo and Messi, who are just fantastic players. As an Arsenal fan, I’m a big fan of Saka, Martinelli, and Nketiah in the current Arsenal squad.
My Arsenal journey started when I got scouted playing in a tournament and other clubs were also noticing. I was offered a six-week trial but it actually ended up being nine because it kept getting extended, and then I finally got the call to say that I was going to be signed. It felt amazing.
“When we were driving past I’d even try and look through the bushes to see the players on the pitches”
When I got to Hale End as an official Arsenal player I was so excited because my mum always used to say to me that I would play for Arsenal. While I was on my way to training at my old team, I would drive past Hale End all the time because it was so close to my house. It’s got loads of bushes outside and when we were driving past I’d even try and look through the bushes to see the players on the pitches.
A particular highlight from my Hale End days would have to be one of my first games on trial when I scored four goals against Ipswich Town. That increased my confidence because I didn’t start that game too well, but once I scored those goals I started playing better and I knew that The Arsenal was the place for me to be. Another highlight was the tour to America – we went to Florida and that was a great trip with great weather. It was just a fantastic experience to be around and to be a part of.
Building up to my scholarship, I was one of the first to get my decision. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I believed that I had played well, and when I got it I was over the moon. It was a dream come true. When I came to London Colney I realised how different it is to Hale End and you learn a lot instantly – the levels and what’s demanded of you are increased.
Working with Jack Wilshere is great because we as players can easily relate and open up to him because he has been there and done it as a player for the club. Throughout the injuries I’ve suffered recently the support networks at Arsenal and my family have helped me so much and I’m grateful for them believing in me and encouraging me.
As a player I’m very direct, a threat in behind and I bring goals to the team. This season I’m hoping to get back on the pitch soon following injury and push to be a regular in the under-18s team. I want to add more goals and assists and provide for the team as best as possible. Before every game, I make sure I pray and I just believe that God has got me throughout each game.
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