Arsenal center forward Eddie Nketiah has revealed why he decided to extend his contract with the North London club this summer. He attributed his stay at Arsenal to the effort of coach Mikel Arteta.
Eddie Nketiah played an important role for Mikel Arteta’s team since the club lacked a reliable goal scorer toward the conclusion of the 2021/22 season.
The 23-year-old striker played in supporting roles for most of the season, establishing himself as a crucial player, scoring five goals in eight Premier League starts.
When his contract expired in the summer, it was anticipated that Nketiah would go on a free transfer; nevertheless, riding on the wave of that expectation, he agreed to a new five-year contract with the Emirates, and the legendary number 14 shirt was given to the 23-year-old.
While explaining his decision to The Telegraph, Nketiah said: “Everyone knows how much I love Arsenal. I have come through the academy, I have the attachment with the club. The manager was very supportive and pushed a lot for me to stay. Once I had those kinds of assurances, and no doubts that I will get opportunities to play next season, it was almost impossible for me to leave.
“That run [of matches] really helped me. It gave me the feeling I always wanted, that I have craved. That feeling of playing well, doing well, scoring. It helped me with my decision and made it a lot clearer. Experiencing that with my family, we knew this is the place to be. There is nothing quite like doing well for the club you support and love.”
The former England Under-21 international continued: “When you get a run of eight games in the first team, you get that database and platform to show everything you can do. “I have worked a lot with the manager on playing with my back to goal, on the spaces to drop into and link play. Of course, it has been developed. But at the same time, you don’t get here by just standing in the penalty box and scoring a goal.
“People are always going to say things, but I know what I can do. The people that have played with me, played against me, the coaches that have worked with me, I know how they feel about me.”
Eddie Nketiah joined Arsenal from Leeds United on a loan deal which included the option to buy. He helped Leeds United to gain promotion into the English Premier League and captained the England U-21 team that won the 2021 U-21 Euro. The 23-yead-old English man is currently the U-21 highest goal scorer for England.
