“Kanu Convinced Me To Join Arsenal” – Kelechi Nwakali

By Mojisola Delano On Mar 31, 2017

Nigerian talented youngster, Kelechi Nwakali has revealed that he was convinced to join Arsenal by Super Eagles great Kanu Nwankwo.

Nwakali joined Arsenal in the summer of 2016 after gaining worldwide attention with his performance at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

The 18-year-old, who was part of the Nigeria side that won the World Cup finished the tournament as the best player, winning the Golden Ball.

With a slew of clubs interested in his service after the U-17 World Cup, it was Kanu who convinced him to sign for Arsenal.

“Kanu called me [after the U-17 World Cup] and said Arsenal wanted me; that the boss [Arsene Wenger] called him about me,” the player who is currently on loan at MVV Maastricht in the Eerste Divisie said in an interview with Goal.

“He’s [Kanu] been my mentor, a brother and a friend. He advised me to go and develop and prove who I am.

“He is my mentor and a friend. He calls me every day and I get advice from him every time.

“From a young age, I’ve dreamt of playing for Arsenal. I think God made it easy for me because that has been my dream team.”

Nwakali has been impressive so far his loan deal at MVV Maastricht and has hopes of convincing Wenger that he is good enough for the senior team during pre-season this summer.

The youngster has however revealed that he will respect any decision the Arsenal boss takes.

“I’m not the one who will decide what happens but all I can do is work hard and let the boss see that,” he added.

“If Arsenal decide that next season they want me to play in Arsenal, no problem.

“If they decide they want me to come back to London, it’s still no problem. They have to make their choice and I will respect it.”