RILEY COURT has revealed that he was dumped by Chelsea by email after eight years in the academy.
The midfielder was left in tears after his heartbreaking release from the Blues.
Court, 17, joined the Cobham academy as a child and was one of the regulars as he progressed year on year.
However, he was caught unaware when he was released by a blunt email telling him he would not be getting a new deal.
He told Kent Online: “Chelsea was unreal, probably one of the best academies out there.
“I was there for eight years, since I was a little kid.
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“I gave up on football for a few months after they let me go. I didn’t want to play – my head was down.
“I just started going out as a normal lad again.
“I wasn’t expecting to be released, to be fair. I always got offered a contract every year.
“It sort of became an expectation and then I got an email saying that’s it. There was no meeting. It was harsh.
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“The email didn’t say much, literally we’re not going to offer you another contract. I didn’t speak to anyone after that. That was it.
“I was 14/15 when I got released. I was in tears for days and days and I didn’t want to play football anymore.”
Following his exit from Chelsea he considered stopping playing but was offered a lifeline.
The talented midfielder is now rebuilding his career in non-league with Maidstone United.
He joined the club’s under-16 set-up and has since progressed into the first-team.
Court has made three appearances in the National League South and played 16 minutes against Ipswich Town in the club’s famous 2-1 victory.
The teenager admitted to being “left speechless” following the result against the Championship side.
Court insisted that the win was a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience and that it felt “special” doing it for the area.
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He is often watched by his dad Ian Court, who also used to play for Maidstone United.
He will be hoping for another cup upset when Maidstone take on Coventry in the FA Cup fifth round on February 26.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
