I played for Arsenal in the Champions League but retired aged just 23 – now I'm taking on the world of business | The Sun
A FORMER Arsenal star has swapped the Champions League for the business world.
Stefan O'Connor, 26, came through the ranks at Crystal Palace before being prised away by Arsenal's academy in 2010.
He thoroughly impressed in Arsenal's youth system and was handed his debut in the Champions League by Arsene Wenger in 2014 aged just 17 years old.
The defender came on for Mathieu Debuchy during the last 13 minutes of a 4-1 away win at Turkish giants Galatassaray.
O'Connor was a highly rated prospect at the time and looked to have the world at his feet.
His run out in Istanbul would ultimately be his last appearance for the Arsenal first team however – as injuries hampered his career.
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After spending a few more years in the Arsenal under-21s he was loaned to then League Two side York City.
He was limited to just four appearances as he began to struggle with injury.
O'Connor then went on loan to Dutch side MVV Mastricht in 2016 where he was again limited to just four appearances.
At the end of his spell in Holland, he was released by Arsenal.
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O'Connor then spent two years at Newcastle's under-23 team before an ACL injury ultimately saw him retire.
But the former defender has gone from strength to strength since stepping back from football.
O'Connor initially re-trained as a lawyer and worked in the commercial sector.
He then launched his own business – called SOCCR – which coaches young players from grassroots all the way up to professional level.
He also works as an angel investor identifying promising start-ups with high growth potential.
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