Tribal Football

Noni Madueke Opens Up on ‘Dicey’ Start at Arsenal and Relationship with Fans

Noni Madueke Opens Up on ‘Dicey’ Start at Arsenal and Relationship with Fans
Noni Madueke Opens Up on ‘Dicey’ Start at Arsenal and Relationship with FansAshley Western/Colorsport / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Noni Madueke has spoken candidly about his challenging start to life at Arsenal and his relationship with the fans.

The 23-year-old swapped West London for North when he joined Arsenal from Chelsea for a reported fee of £48.5 million.

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Arsenal fans were outraged by the deal at the time, with over 5,000 supporters signed a petition titled ‘#NOTOMADUEKE’, urging the club to sign a different winger.

Speaking to the club’s in-house media team, Madueke opened up on the culture at the club and his relationship with the fans.

“It’s not just a team full of great and talented players, it’s a team full of good people,” he said. “And I think the culture around here is probably the best I’ve seen.

“In terms of the supporters, it was a bit dicey at the start, on social media and stuff before I came to the club,” he continued. “But when I’ve been in the stadium, I haven’t felt that close to fans, to be honest.

“Obviously I play on the side of the pitch so I can hear them throughout the game, pushing me on whenever I get the ball, I hear them. So, God willing, that continues, because it gives me a big, big, big boost.

“I always love playing at the Emirates, I’m always looking forward to the next game where I’m back at the Emirates.”