Ghanaian youngster CORY Adjetey-Brew has signed his first professional contract with QPR, having joined the club two years ago following his release from Arsenal.
The 18-year-old defender said: “This is an honourable moment for me.
“There’s been so many ups and downs, but I feel like this is just step one of my journey. There’s a lot more coming from me.”
The full-back’s route to professionalism hasn’t been straightforward. Adjetey-Brew had to deal with the setback of being released by the Gunners while he sought a new way to progress in the game.
“The first biggest hurdle I had was getting released,” he said. “I’d been there for so long.
“But I felt like QPR was so supportive, and in my first week I thought: This is where I want to have a future.”
Adjetey-Brew admits it was a challenging time as he looked at his options, and he remains grateful to his family for their support, particularly his mum.
“I was in such a dark place,” he explained. “I didn’t want to talk to anyone but mum always taught me positivity.
“I feel like I really needed her and she was always there for me. She is my ‘Why’.”
Looking back, Adjetey-Brew believes the whole experience helped him grow, adding: “The move expanded my knowledge on so many different things, like going out on loan and having experience with the first team.”
He also highlighted the importance of resilience and role models, pointing to former Ranger Ebere Eze as an example of a player who overcame setbacks to reach the top level.
“Everyone faces challenges and rejections,” he said. “I think everyone would love to follow in his footsteps, playing Champions League and international football now. He is a great example.
“Now, I just have to keep pushing. That’s my quote of the year – just to push.”
CEO Christian Nourry said: “Cory has something that can’t be taught – this burning desire to throw everything inside of him at each football match that he gets the opportunity to play in.
“He deserves to take this next step. Work lies ahead to refine his game across all areas but with growing maturity and curiosity of how to improve, we believe he has an opportunity now to stake his claim for a professional football career.”
