A teenage footballer has signed his first professional contract after years of dedication on and off the pitch.
Teshaun Murisa, 17, from Barking Riverside, has turned professional with Arsenal Football Club, where he has played since the age of six. He signed the contract in February.
Mr Murisa said: "I'm delighted to achieve my dream of signing my first professional contract.
"I've been here since I was six, so it means even more to me, and I'm just really thankful to my family for always supporting me."
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A former pupil of George Carey Primary School and Riverside Secondary School, Mr Murisa has impressed both academically and athletically. He achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s in his GCSEs, placing him in the top 10 of his year group.
Mr Murisa now holds the record for the best GCSE results by an Arsenal scholar, surpassing Bukayo Saka.
Mr Bailey, his former head of year and PE teacher at Riverside, said: "Teshaun was a model student. All of his teachers have nothing but good things to say about him and as a school we are incredibly proud.
"We are certain that he will go on to achieve great things in football."
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