Antoine Semenyo: Bournemouth and Ghana forward motivated by trial rejections

Semenyo says his younger brother sees him as a “role model” and, although they “always bicker”, the ambition is to one day face off against each other in the Premier League.

Football certainly runs in the blood, as their father Larry had spells for Okwahu United and Advance Stars in the Ghana Premier League.

But, having been born and raised in London, Antoine did not get much of a chance to appreciate his talents.

“When we were kids, he used to go and play for some local teams,” he explained.

“All our family members remind us that he was the best, that he’s better than us, and they rave on about it all the time.

“But there’s no footage, so unfortunately we didn’t get to see that.”

After games, Semenyo still receives feedback from his father, who was elated when Antoine received his first Ghana call-up in 2022.

“My mum was crying on the phone. Dad doesn’t really jump up too much, but he was so excited,” Semenyo revealed.

“It’s an honour to play for Ghana. It’s just a dream come true.

“I love going back to our home country and seeing family, seeing friends as well. They’re so eager about football.”

Semenyo’s faith is also inspired by his family, even if his parents’ church-going on Sundays made it “hard to get to games”.

“I want to learn more about God and what he’s done in my life,” said Semenyo, who attends church himself whenever he can.

He also speaks to a pastor on the touchline at the Vitality Stadium before every home game, crediting the ritual with improving his mentality.

Off the pitch, Semenyo continues to study the Bible, but also splits his spare time between gaming, walking his 10-month-old dog Bailey and chatting with team-mates as part of Bournemouth’s unofficial coffee club.

“It’s Alex Scott, James Hill, Marcus Tavernier, Ryan Christie from time to time, Dean Huijsen as well,” he said.

“We just go after training and sit there for three, four hours, to spend time with each other.

“I feel like that chemistry that we have off the pitch goes on to the pitch.”

And as for those rumours about a big money move in the near future?

“Family members and friends [are] constantly sending me stuff, but I try not to take notice too much,” he said.

“My mentality is just keep focused, keep doing what you’re doing, and then if something happens, it happens.”

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