QPR ace Luke Freeman says leaving Arsenal was the best decision he has made in his career

QPR ace Luke Freeman says leaving Arsenal was the best decision he has made in his career
QPR ace Luke Freeman believes he saved his career from petering out by walking away from Arsenal six years ago.Freeman, who is now enjoying life in the Championship with QPR, rose to prominence while on Gillingham’s books as a youngster.Aged 15 and 233 days, Freeman became the youngest-ever player to feature in the FA Cup in November 2007.He subsequently caught the attention of then Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and just two months later joined the Premier League giants for a reported fee of 200,000.4

Luke Freeman was unable to make the grade at Arsenal as a youngster

4

Freeman has been a revelation at QPR since his move from Bristol City in January 2017

However, despite enjoying FA Youth Cup success in his spell at the club – featuring alongside the likes of Wojciech Szczesny and Jack Wilshere – he failed to make a first-team appearance in the four years he was there.He dropped down two divisions by penning a deal with Stevenage in 2011, initially on loan, in a bid to rebuild his career – and he hasn’t looked back since.A successful three-year spell at the Boro’ followed before another encouraging period at Bristol City after – where he took League One by storm.However, Freeman is arguably now in the form of his life at Loftus Road, where he has been since January 2017, and has no regrets looking back on the decision he made.Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT,the midfielder said:Ive been very fortunate.“At a young age I took a huge gamble in leaving Arsenal and deciding to carve out my own pathway.4

The attacking midfielder in action for former side Stevenage in January 2012

4

Freeman, now 26, also had a good spell with Bristol City

I dont think Id be where I am now if it wasnt for me making that decision.“I could have easily sat at Arsenal and played in the reserves for another year or two and got on for 10 minutes in a cup game, but what would have been the point in doing that?No disrespect, but some of the other players who did that arent even playing football anymore.”He continued: The best thing I did was make my own path in the game.“I had a taste for it from an early age (at 15) playing first-team football with Gillingham.Ive always wanted to play in front of the fans and stadiums, so it was quite hard going from that to a youth-team/reserve set-up at Arsenal. Yes, I thoroughly enjoyed that and it probably made me the player I am today, but that wasnt for me. There are no regrets from me whatsoever.Ive played over 300 first-team games and Im still only 26 Im really proud of that.”Freeman believes that young players who were in a position like himself should perhaps jump out of their comfort zone – or risk becoming forgotten men.He explained: Ive been a realist and accepted what wasnt meant for me. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt, but Ive taken that risk and its paid off for me.Ive worked my absolute socks off and got my just rewards.Its something these youngsters now need to look at and think am I going to play in the first-team here week in week out?If not, is it not surely better to get a good loan move and kick start your career?”Freeman has done exactly that.

---

ARSENAL are set to go head-to-head with Tottenham in the battle to sign Norwich starlet Maz Aarons. The teenage defender has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in the country with his displays for Norwich this season. Getty Images - Getty Arsenal are the latest club to show an interest in Norwich defender Max Aarons
Arsenal to rival Tottenham for Norwich and England starlet
fashionmodelsecret.com/sport/arsenal-to-rival-tottenham-for-norwich-and-england-starlet-max-aarons/
Arsenal to rival Tottenham for Norwich and England starlet Max Aarons 12/30/2018 The teenage defender has emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in the country with his displays for Norwich this season.
Arsenal to rival Tottenham for Norwich and England starlet

---

Kevin de Bruyne explains what Man City teammate Raheem Sterling is really like. Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne admits he was expecting Raheem Sterling to live up to the picture painted
Kevin De Bruyne thought Raheem Sterling would be a "d

---

Jurgen Klopp could face an FA charge after his comments about the officials at West Ham . The Football Association have contacted Klopp following Monday night's game and asked him to provide his

---

Sir Alex Ferguson led the tributes to former Manchester United coach Eric Harrison as he was laid to rest on Tuesday with the legendary United boss giving a heartfelt eulogy during the service.
Eric Harrison - PhoneNinja

---

Leeds United news: Everything EFL chief executive Shaun

---

Bolasie is apparently not in Marco Silva's plans but wants to stay and fight for his place at the Toffees (where ever that may be) - though that's usually just code for "I've got a nice lucrative contract and I'm not taking a penny less than I'm entitled to".
Toffeeweb: Toffee Mail Bag — July 2006

---

Everton news: Marco Silva decides against 'radical' changes

---

Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for at least another month, says Jurgen Klopp Friday, 8 February 2019 Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp expects Joe Gomez to return from injury in the next four to six weeks.
Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain nearing i njury

---

Apr 05, 2019 · Leagues, clubs to meet for tricky Champions League talks. Leaders of the top European leagues and clubs will hold talks next month on Champions League reforms that could cause a split at the upper
Leagues, clubs to meet for tricky Champions League talks

---

Juan Mata contract: Manchester United midfielder admits he is happy in England and open to staying at Old Trafford The 30-year-old's contract is up in the summer, but he has proven to be a vital
Juan Mata: Manchester United offer midfielder new contract

---

Liverpool vs Chelsea: Blues mock Steven Gerrard with video of slip ahead of crucial clash at Anfield In 2014, the legendary Reds captain slipped to let Demba Ba through on goal to slot home and
Liverpool vs Chelsea: Blues mock Steven Gerrard with video of

---

Premier League: The shock results which would lead to a title

---

Wolves to ward Tottenham off Matt Doherty transfer with new deal - negotiated by Jorge Mendes. The Republic of Ireland international has taken the eye of Spurs after impressing for Wolves in the
Wolves linked with surprise move for Stoke City man in

---

Rangers winger Ryan Kent faces a two-match ban after being cited for lashing out at Celtic captain Scott Brown. The Scottish Football Association has issued a notice of complaint to the on-loan
Rangers appeal Ryan Kent ban for Old Firm bust-up with Celtic

---

Arsenal would be challenging for the Premier League title if

---