Blackpool loanee Jordan Gabriel reveals why he chose to join Nottingham Forest over Chelsea

The right-back had a tricky decision to make after being released by Arsenal in 2013.

Initially he moved to Southend United's academy, but soon Nottingham Forest and Chelsea would both come calling.

The 22-year-old opted for the former and is now in his sixth year at the City Ground, albeit on loan with the Seasiders this season, where he's made 25 appearances.

Explaining his decision to turn down Chelsea, Gabriel told The Mirror: "Chelsea is a massive club, great for your CV and I could have gone for the money but I thought in the long-term Forest was the better option.

“I look at academy graduates at Forest like Joe Worrall and Ryan Yates and think I can make that step up like them because I'm learning all the time here at Blackpool."

Despite the disappointment of being released at a young age by Arsenal, Gabriel believes he sill has what it takes to make it to the top.

“I remember sitting in an office with Liam Brady and they couldn't guarantee me becoming a scholar and felt it was best for me to leave," he reflected.

“Being at Arsenal from the age of eight and supporting them with my whole family who love them, it was heartbreaking.

“I look at the team photos of U9s and U10s at Arsenal and it was an amazing team. A lot of people have dropped out which is upsetting because I have seen them grow as a person and a player.

“But I have always wanted to be out there fighting to get the top one way or another.

“I felt going down a few leagues and being a big fish in a small pond would help. I have dropped down to then come back up."

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