‘False Speculation, i regret it’ – Former Everton player who left just like Richarlison up on 2021 exit, admits to having regrets

Thierry Small, the youngest player to have ever featured for Everton at the senior level, has expressed regret over the manner of his departure from Goodison Park in 2021. At just 16 years and 176 days old, Small made his sole appearance for Everton in an FA Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday before moving on to Southampton later that year. Despite being offered a three-year professional contract by Everton amidst interest from several top European clubs, Small chose to leave, a decision he now reflects on with a desire for better terms of departure.

In a recent interview with the South London Press, Small, who is currently with Charlton Athletic, shared insights into his decision to leave Everton. He clarified that the move to Southampton was driven by a family decision aimed at advancing his career, acknowledging the inherent risks in such choices. Small highlighted the significant experience he gained by being involved in a Premier League first-team environment at the age of 17, an opportunity not common for many players his age. However, he admitted that the transition from a scholar to first-team football was challenging, especially mentally, as it required time to adapt.

Small’s journey post-Everton saw him not securing a regular spot at Southampton, leading to loan spells with Port Vale and St Mirren before eventually joining Charlton Athletic in February. Despite the early promise and the high expectations set by his record-breaking debut for Everton, Small’s career trajectory took a different path. Now 19, he views his experiences, including the loans, as part of his growth both as a player and a person.

Reflecting on his decision to leave Everton, Small acknowledges the complexity of such career choices, especially at a young age. However, he remains optimistic about his future, believing there is still an opportunity for him to ascend the football pyramid and possibly make his Premier League debut in the future. His story serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football careers and the difficult decisions young talents often face in their pursuit of professional growth[4][10].

Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thierry_Small
[2] https://www.charltonafc.com/news/small-i-want-keep-building-now
[3] https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/everton-history-maker-who-fantastic-28497853
[4] https://www.goodisonnews.com/2024/03/25/everton-news-thierry-small-discusses-goodison-park-exit/
[5] https://www.charltonafc.com/news/thierry-small-joins-charlton
[6] https://www.toffeeweb.com/players/profiles/Small.php
[7] https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24175632.ex-everton-starlet-impressing-new-boss-early-southampton-exit/
[8] https://www.charltonafc.com/player/299
[9] https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/thierry-small/profil/spieler/746554
[10] https://www.everton.news/i-wish-record-breaking-former-everton-player-expresses-regret-over-his-exit-in-2021/
[11] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRo8iGX2wq4
[12] https://www.hampshirelive.news/sport/football/football-news/ralph-hasenhuttl-thierry-small-everton-7343095
[13] https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/24092256.former-everton-starlet-small-mutually-terminates-southampton-contract/
[14] https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/southampton-may-regret-january-decision-as-thierry-small-shines-under-nathan-jones-view/
[15] https://theathletic.com/3997280/2023/07/07/thierry-small-southampton-transfer/
[16] https://www.toffeeweb.com/season/23-24/comment/editorial/44619.html
[17] https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/thierry-small-southampton-next-big-thing-flop/
[18] https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=137557
[19] https://theathletic.com/4201990/2021/08/24/southampton-confirm-signing-of-thierry-small-after-his-exit-from-everton/