Stoke City striker Kenwyne Jones admits rejection by Manchester United as a teenager almost led him to enlisting!
As a teenager, the striker considered joining the army and also thought about studying physiotherapy in America.
But he decided he could not let his natural talent go to waste and, after travelling to Europe, is now ready to land the first major honour of his career.
Jones told the People: "To get a trial at United aged 17 was an experience - now getting to the FA Cup Final is an achievement.
"How did I feel to not get a deal at the end of my trial? Well, it's part of a footballer's life. Just like anybody else, you put yourself up for interviews and wait to see who calls you after it.
"It is the point of looking for a job. But now is a totally different time and it is about trying to create your own history and etch your name in the record books.
"I am just happy to be scoring goals right now leading up to the final. Hopefully it will continue.
"It's true that I thought about joining the army but I don't think anyone grows up thinking, 'I love the army'.
"Then I thought about studying in America but opted to have trials instead. It was the best decision I made in my life.
"I wanted to be a footballer, and if you go to college you lose that fire for playing football.
"I wanted to play and I made my choices."
