Harry Kane: 'Arsenal exit gave me motivation'

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has revealed that being rejected by Arsenal at the age of eight gave him a "drive" to bounce back.

The 24-year-old joined North London rivals Spurs following his exit from the Gunners, and has become a prolific striker since rising through the club's academy.

The England international, who scored his 100th Premier League goal in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last Sunday, has spoken of his Spurs switch as a defining moment in his career.

"I remember the first time we played against Arsenal [for Tottenham's academy team] and even back then, I had a chip on my shoulder," Kane told The Players' Tribune.

"It might sound ridiculous. I was only eight when they let me go, but every time we played them, I thought, 'Alright, we'll see who's right and who's wrong'.

"Looking back on it now, [being released by Arsenal] was probably the best thing that ever happened to me because it gave me a drive that wasn't there before. For me, the rejection is the best thing that ever happened to me."

Kane, who has won two successive Premier League Golden Boot awards, leads the race for this season's accolade with 22 goals so far.