Arsenal academy goalkeeper Alexei Rojas is highlighted by the Colombian media today, as AS features an interview with him.
The teenager was actually born in England and had chances to work with their U15 squad. However, as he’s the son of a Colombian father and Russian mother, he’s now ready to be with the South American side in their next U17 call-up.
“I was born in England in a town called Basildon, which is northeast of London,” Rojas told AS.
“My Colombian roots are from my father, who is from Colombia and has all his family there. I’ve been to Colombia twice, once when I was 18 months, I was a baby and I don’t remember anything. The last time was five years ago when I was 10 and it was a very nice experience because I got to know the culture of Colombia. I love Colombian food and also the way of being, I like that they are always making jokes.”
Rojas recalled all his years at Arsenal, from the time he arrived to the club to his goals to play for the first team. He claims he’d be pretty happy to continue building his career with the Gunners.
“I came to Arsenal in the U17, I stayed only half a season. Now I always play a year older than my age. I’m now in the U15, but generally I play with the U16 because the level is faster and more competitive.
“I’m proud to be at Arsenal. Football is my life, I want to be the best goalkeeper in the world and being with Arsenal I have the opportunity to fulfil my dreams. I want to continue progressing at the club.
“In recent years a very good connection has been created with the Arsenal first team and the lower levels. Today there are several academy players in the first team. Sometimes Mikel Arteta comes to see our training sessions.”
The goalkeeper talked about the Colombian players that have been playing in Europe, and recalled that he managed to speak to David Ospina when he was playing for Arsenal.
“Today there are many Colombian players around the world, it’s one of the countries that exports a large number of players. Here in England we have James Rodríguez, Yerry Mina, Ian Poveda, José Izquierdo. Back then there were David Ospina and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado. I had the opportunity to meet Ospina, when he was playing at Arsenal.
“I live near the Arsenal training venue and there I had the opportunity to talk to him and meet him. Arsenal held a Christmas party for the children and they invited us, the whole squad was there. Ospina was there, I talked to him, we talked about football and I felt a connection with him. I also have signed jerseys from Yerry Mina and Juan Guillermo Cuadrado.”
And when speaking about his idols in football, he said his former club mate is there on the list.
“Peter Cech was one of my idols, I greatly admired how he played and he was always calm. He was different from the others. Like David Ospina because he’s the best Colombian goalkeeper, he’s been in the best teams in Europe, I’m always impressed with how he plays.”
