Jules Koundé Reflects on His Career Prior to Joining FC Barcelona, Admits He Was Rejected by Clubs Often

• Jules Koundé signed for FC Barcelona this season from fellow La Liga outfit, Sevilla
• The French defender was rejected a few times as a young player but eventually proved his worth
• Koundé's competitive nature stems from the fact that he lost many games as a child

Jules Koundé is proof that if you seize your opportunities, you can succeed.

The French defender, who currently plays for Barcelona, recently opened up about his early days as a football player before he made it big.

Koundé was one of Barcelona's big signings during the recent transfer window, signing from Sevilla on a five-year deal, Sky Sports reported.

The defender also attracted interest from Chelsea, and both the Spanish and English sides battled it out for his signature.

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Speaking in a recent interview, Koundé admitted that he wasn't always wanted by the big clubs, Barca Universal reported.

“My first trials with big clubs did not go well. The Bordeaux U13 team rejected me several times, for example,” Kounde said.

He added that when he was little, he played for a club that would lose most of its games. Through that however, he developed a hatred for losing, which turned him into the competitive player that he is today.

Koundé finally got his big break in 2017 when he started playing professionally for Bordeaux. He was 19 at the time.

“Right before I made my debut for Bordeaux, I was about to join a third-division side on loan. Then, due to an injury crisis, I had to play in the first team. I only had one shot and I made it,” he explained.

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Koundé proved that he was a talented footballer by taking his one shot and earning himself a professional contract. It also eventually led to him joining Barcelona this season.

Despite only featuring in six games so far, Koundé has spoken highly of the support he's received thus far.

“Nothing is better than having full stadium support you; for club and country. It drives you."

Koundé has just returned from injury, but is already looking forward to the future at the club and remaining focused on the task ahead.

He is determined to continue giving his best for the Barcelona team, no matter what obstacles he may face.

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Kounde was at the centre of a protracted transfer saga in the summer, which saw Barcelona and Premier League club Chelsea tussle for his signature, Sports Brief earlier reported.

The Frenchman opted to join Barcelona ahead of a lucrative offer proposed by Chelsea however, despite concerns about the financial strength of the Catalan giants.