Toulouse midfielder Max Gradel says he once rejected an offer from Arsenal.

Gradel was a youngster who had a chance to join the Gunners, but he felt at the time League One side Leicester City were the better option.

He wanted first team opportunities, and chose the Foxes instead.

The Ivorian signed in 2007, before leaving in 2010 for Leeds United.

"One was the chance to become a professional footballer," he told the Athletic about snubbing Arsenal.

"That's the point - not just a footballer but a professional footballer.

"It was my dream and having a scholarship didn't mean as much.

"Lots of players with scholarships don't make it."