Arthur Theate #3

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As a youth player, Theate moved from Genk to Standard Liège, then back to Genk and finally to… Standard. But he didn’t make the cut and was rejected even by clubs from the third division before being given a chance by KV Oostende. From there on, things moved quickly for the left-footed and long-haired defender, who idolised Carles Puyol. Bologna, Rennes and Eintracht Frankfurt all paid millions to sign him. Reflecting on his difficult early years, and the push it gave him, he told Humo: “I don’t feel any grudge. On the contrary, I say thanks to all those who rejected me.” He’s a big F1 fan, so will be keeping an eye on the four races scheduled during the World Cup. And if he performs well, he might even receive a message from the double Olympic champion cyclist and former football player Remco Evenepoel. At the national youth level they shared a room, and they’re still in touch.

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