First interview with Reuell Walters – Luton Town Football Club

Our second summer signing is 19-year-old defender Reuell Walters – a player that resonates with the club’s beliefs after joining on Thursday.

The former Arsenal academy graduate, who penned his first professional contract with the Gunners in February 2022, explained himself as a footballer and his excitement to get started.

“It’s an amazing feeling,” said Walters. “I’m really excited by the challenge ahead. I think I really resonate with all the club’s beliefs, I really like the style of play, I get along with Rob really well and there are a few friendly faces from the past here as well.”

Those friendly faces were Zack Nelson and Axel Piesold who Reuell, or Reu as he also likes to be known, played with during his time in Tottenham Hotspur’s academy.

“We’ve known each other from when we were young and have kept in contact the last few years, so some things just come back around.

“I think there has been great development at both clubs for me. I think I’ve taken loads of lessons from both of them, especially Arsenal in the last few years. I think I’ve made some friends for life there as well, and also learnt some life lessons along the way, so there’s not a bad thing I can say about either of them.”

Things did not begin for Reu at Arsenal and Spurs, his young career has roots which go back to south London while the youngster lived in Streatham.

“When I was six years old, I played for Brazilian Soccer Schools back in Croydon. After that I went to Peckham Town in Dulwich, and I think that’s where my career really started. I met my godfather there as well, Chris Lock, someone who has been with me throughout my whole journey.

“The Brazilian Soccer School would keep your technical side sharp and it’s where I started to really feel like football was the thing I wanted to do.

“It was all the little Samba, technical touches, having the rhythm with the ball, finding ways to make football fun for yourself and just what the whole football experience is really about.”

Reu’s thoughts now are on his latest chapter at Kenilworth Road, as he is ready to test his craft in the Championship for the first time in his career.

“The plan is just to get my head down and work. It’s going to be my first real experience of first team football, so just to come in, improve the team, work my way up and see what goes from there.

“The style of play here really suits me. Rob is one of the key reasons why I’ve actually come to Luton, it was a great decision for me. I think I can really learn a lot from him, I think I’ll be able to flourish under him and really enjoy myself as well.

“I would say you are going to see a lot of range of pass, a lot of pace getting up and down, a lot of aggression and hopefully I’ll be a bit more vocal this season as well. I’m really excited to get going.”