Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has admitted being released by Arsenal as a child will always stick with him ahead of their Champions League showdown.
The Bavarian giants host the Gunners in the second leg of their quarter-final, having drawn 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium last week.
Kane is well-versed with playing Arsenal given that he was at rivals Tottenham Hotspur for nearly 20 years. His goal from the penalty spot in the first leg took his tally against the Gunners to 15 in 20 matches against them – he has only scored more often against Leicester City (20) and Everton (16).
During his childhood, Kane spent two years in Arsenal’s youth ranks before being released and heading to Spurs.
Ahead of Wednesday’s showdown at the Allianz Arena, Kane opened up on how he’s dealt with that and other rejections in his life.
“We played them at least twice a year for the last 10 years [with Tottenham] and it was always a big occasion, big moment,” Kane said. “Maybe it was in the back of my mind, being released from a young age, and there is always a point to prove.
“I am the type of player who, throughout my career, has had points to prove along the way. I don’t think that ever leaves you. It will always be in my DNA, until I retire. There will always be a reason to prove someone wrong or to prove myself I can do something.
“I don’t think specifically back to that and think ‘I was released when I was nine years old, I really have to make a difference tomorrow’. Now I am at Bayern Munich it is about being a top team in the Champions League. Of course I have history with them [Arsenal], but all I can do is try to help Bayern Munich.”
