close
close

Le-verdict

News with a Local Lens

Antoine Semenyo: Bournemouth and Ghana striker says trial rejections motivate him
minsta

Antoine Semenyo: Bournemouth and Ghana striker says trial rejections motivate him

Antoine Semenyo, wearing Bournemouth's red and black striped jersey, celebrates his goal after scoring against Manchester City

Where did this photo come from? Getty Images

What we call dis photo, Antoine Semenyo has scored four Premier League goals for Bournemouth’s season

Antoine Semenyo’s goals for Bournemouth aren’t making the news this season, my latest effort has the club on course for a first ever win against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

The 24-year-old has not established his squad for the Cherries starting XI, I am regular for Ghana and they are not linked with transfers to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle, but my path to the elite of the game is not easy at all. for am.

Semenyo, we are Christians, let’s say I pray for and during matches, I wonder how I endured more and a fair share of rejections during my teenage years, with unsuccessful trial periods with the Gunners and Spurs to alongside those of Crystal Palace, Fulham and Millwall. .

“As a 15 or 16 year old you don’t know how to deal with your emotions – being so high, so upset all the time,” Semenyo told Football Focus.

“I doubt myself, but I have positive parents. They always tell me that life won’t always be a bed of roses.

“All the experiences Pesin has had. But certainly, we help me and motivate me for this day.”

What is most painful for Semenyo is when I find out that Palace are not signing, it is a setback that makes me believe that I dream of becoming a professional.

“I’ve been bin dey dia for maybe eight months and I’m loving every moment,” I’m tok.

“My dad told me I saw a moment during a game where I guess I was passing the ball to someone, and I shot and missed. And I see the coach during a corner, they’re shaking my hand head.

“From that moment on, I say I know, tell them not to sign me. They call me at the office and tell me bad news.

“I remember that when I got back into the car, I was very emotional, I cried.”

Semenyo decides to focus on his homework and spend time with his friends. I’m spending a year out of the game.

After lacing up his boots again for an open trial, the striker eventually joined the football academy at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, via Bristol City.

Semenyo still ranks January 2018 when I signed my first professional contract with Robins as the proudest moment of my career.

“I remember that day like yesterday, and I remember looking for my mom’s face,” I said.

“She is so moved, so happy for me, so proud. It’s always on my mind.

“I will cherish this moment for life.”

Progress under Iraola

Antoine Semenyo leans behind Andoni Iraola's left shoulder, gesturing with his right hand as I hold a yellow soccer ball between my left arm.

Where did this photo come from? Getty Images

What we call dis photo, Semenyo describes Cherries boss Andoni Iraola as a “very open and honest” coach.

After loan spells with Bath City, Newport County and Sunderland, Semenyo scored 21 goals in 125 games for Bristol City and Bournemouth signed a £10 million fee for January last year.

It takes me six months to adapt to the elite under Gary O’Neil for Andoni Iraola to take eggs.

Semenyo credits the Spaniard with developing his game and helping him get on the scoresheet more frequently.

“I manage the players very well. I am very open and honest,” he said.

“We look at the games (to see) how I can improve, how I can be positionally, and how I can score more goals and be more effective for the team.

“I mainly say I have to go back all the time, and that’s where I complain about myself last year.”

Semenyo strikes against Manchester City – my fourth Premier League goal of the season. I haven’t set a goal for this campaign, but I say I’m not going to reveal it publicly.

“I have a number in mind, but I’ll keep it to myself,” I say.

“I get a diary where I write my goals for the year and the only things we know about are my brother’s (Jai’s), we play for Eastleigh’s national league team.”

Paternal influence

What we call this video, Football Focus: Antoine Semenyo on life at Bournemouth

Semenyo says my younger brother looks up to me as a “role model” and, although they “always talk”, I have ambitions of one day facing every team for the Premier League.

Football certainly needs blood, as his father, Larry Bin, plays for Okwahu United and Advance Stars in the Ghana Premier League.

But, let’s say they were born and bred for London, Antoine doesn’t have much chance of appreciating my talents.

“When we were little, I would play for some local teams,” he explains.

“Everyone in our family reminds us that I’m the best, they say I better outdo us, and they think of all my time.

“But no video, so unfortunately we can’t see it.”

After the matches, Semenyo always receives comments from my dad, we are very happy that Antoine receives my first call-up to Ghana for 2022.

“My mom’s crying over the phone. My dad’s not really jumping too much, but I’m so excited,” Semenyo reveals.

“It’s an honor to play for Ghana. A dream come true.

“I love going back home, kontri, to see my family, to see my friends too. They are so passionate about football.”

Semenyo’s faith is also inspired by my family, although, let’s say, my parents’ Sunday church makes it “hard for me to participate in games.”

“I want to know more about God and what I do in my life,” Semenyo said, I go to church whenever I am in good shape.

Antoine Semenyo in Bournemouth red and black kit siddon crossed leg for the pitch, closes my eyes and brings my hands together as a symbol of prayer to celebrate a goal

Where did this photo come from? Getty Images

What we call dis photo, Antoine Semenyo says my prayer celebration represents my peaceful personality and comes from my Bible study.

I also like to bring in a sideline pastor at Vitality Stadium for every home game, I am credited with this ritual to improve my mentality.

Off the field, Semenyo decided to study the Bible, but also to share his free time between games, carrying his 10-month-old dog Bailey Waka, and chatting with his teammates at the coffee club. unofficial from Bournemouth.

“Na Alex Scott, James Hill, Marcus Tavernier, Ryan Christie from time to time, Dean Huijsen too”, I’m tok.

“We go right after practice and hang out for three, four hours, spending time with each oda.

“I feel like the chemistry that takes us off the field follows us off the field.”

And what about the rumors about a big money transfer in the near future?

“Family and friends send me stuff all the time, but I try not to pay too much attention to it,” he says.

“My mentality is just to focus, do what I do, and if something happens, it’s happy.”