Tottenham-born former Arsenal youth player Jason Banton claims to have learned about becoming a free agent on social media.

Walthamstow posted on X, formerly Twitter: "We can confirm that Jason Banton and Ade Cole have left the club. We thank them for all their efforts during their time with us, and wish them all the best for the future." Banton, 32, quoted the post and responded: "News to me! Free agent," before punctuating the message with a telephone receiver emoji.

Days later, the player reposted - adding a smiling face with a tear emoji - the following message from content creator and fellow non-league footballer Alex Teniola: "I'm done with these stupid clubs that think they can do what they want! Imagine finding out on Twitter you've been released! What the actual f***! Absolute bull****."

Banton played for the Gunners' youth teams from the age of seven before briefly joining Tottenham Hotspur and then having a trial with West Ham United. The winger would soon return to Arsenal but then sealed a switch to Blackburn Rovers amid reported interest in the England under-17 international from Manchester City.

That move did not work out, though, and after being released, Banton trialled with Liverpool before signing permanently. After only signing a short-term deal until the end of the season, the Reds did not extend that arrangement, allowing the player to join Leicester City.

Banton left them before the end of that year after a brief loan at Burton Albion and then joined Major League Soccer and entered the SuperDraft. The Seattle Sounders selected him before cutting the player after their pre-season training camps.

After returning to England, the player went on trial with Crystal Palace and signed for the Eagles. Banton went on loan to Plymouth Argyle and Milton Keynes Dons before a permanent move to the former materialised.

Two seasons later, Banton joined Wycombe Wanderers, going on loan to Hartlepool United. He became a free agent again, trialling at Notts County before signing for the club.

A move to Crawley Town followed, from where he went on loan to Partick Thistle. However, an injury cut that stint short, and Banton left Crawley. He has played non-league football ever since, representing 17 clubs over the last eight years.