Arsenal academy graduate Teshaun Murisa has taken a defining step in his young career after signing his first professional contract, a milestone that caps an 11-year journey that began when he joined the club at just six years old.
Now 17, the midfielder officially put pen to paper at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, surrounded by family, turning a lifelong ambition into reality. Naturally, emotions ran high as Murisa reflected on what the moment truly meant.
“I’m very delighted to achieve my dream of signing my first professional contract,” he said.
“Especially with such a big club like Arsenal.”
From there, the gratitude flowed. Murisa was quick to highlight the role his family have played behind the scenes throughout his development.
“I’ve been here since I was six, so it means even more to me, and I’m just really thankful to my family for always supporting me.
“We’ve been through a lot together, so having them here is like how they’ve been with me forever, so it just means more.”
Progressing through the renowned Hale End system for over a decade, Murisa has shared the journey with many familiar faces, competing at the highest youth levels along the way. Those experiences, he admits, made finally reaching this stage even sweeter.
“Coming through Hale End for about 10 years now, you see so many people go through the same journey that you want to go on; actually achieving it now just makes it feel even better.”
On the pitch, Murisa has been part of a successful generation, helping win the U16s Premier League Cup and featuring in the FA Youth Cup clash against Manchester United at the iconic Emirates Stadium.
Off it, the bonds formed have been just as important.
“I think it helps us really connect together, not just on the pitch, but as friends as well.
“We’ve become more like a family. So I really love playing with them, seeing them every day and just being around them.”
He also singled out several long-time midfield partners who have pushed him along the way.
“Ones that standout are my midfield partners that I’ve had for a while.
“They’ve been Maalik (Hashi), Saurap (Sampang) and Max (Dowman) sometimes as well.”
Looking ahead, Murisa is clear about his next target: bridging the gap between academy football and the first team.
Training alongside elite players provides daily motivation, and he is eager to learn from those already at the top.
“I think it’s really important to have players in the first team who you want to be like, because it gives you a goal that you need to aspire for and that you want to reach.
“Especially certain players like Declan Rice, they give you advice and help and tips on what you need to do to get to their level.”
For Murisa, the contract is not the destination but the starting whistle. The hard work continues, but the dream that began in Hale End has now officially entered its next phase.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
