Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has urged young players not to give up if they suffer rejection.

Eze's rise to where is now has been a roller-coaster and he has a story which shows the value of persistence.

The 24-year-old was released four times - by Arsenal, Fulham, Reading and Millwall - before he finally found the environment he could flourish in at QPR.

Eze grew up dreaming of playing for the Gunners before his release at the age of 13.

Never once did he consider an alternative career, and his hard work and determination reflected his self-belief that he would succeed in football.

He told the Daily Mail: "I feel like it was such a long time ago now thinking about it. It was a tough difficult period for me and my family, all the people around me. But that's part of football and you have to work and apply yourself to get back on your feet.

"But if it wasn't for that moment and that situation. I wouldn't be where I am today."

And in a message to youngsters who go through the same rejection he did, Eze said: "I would say it's important to believe in yourself to keep on enjoying football. I would say enjoy yourself, to be free and express yourself on the pitch and not worry too much about the pressure."