•Noni Madueke
Arsenal forward Noni Madueke has praised Nigerians, saying they work hard to make things happen, while also speaking about his values as someone from the West African nation.
Madueke, who originally hails from Nigeria but plays international football for England, made this statement during an interview to celebrate Black History Month.
When asked what that thing is, which makes him proud but people don’t know about, the winger replied that he really values his Nigerian roots.
“My values, my family values, which have translated into me becoming the footballer that I am today. I am from Nigeria and my parents are Nigerians,” the former Chelsea attacker said.
“Nigerians work hard and we make things happen, so that is something I carried with me, not just in my playing career but in my whole life.”
On who inspired these values in him, Madueke said his father has always been someone he looks up to.
“Growing up and just watching my dad work super hard, staying focused, being disciplined and motivated, those attributes definitely inspired me,” he said.
The 23-year-old further spoke about the black footballers who made him believe the game of football was for him, revealing that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is one of them.
“Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba as well, and I love the fact that they were crucial in big moments for their respective clubs,” Madueke said.
On the legacy that he would love to leave for the young black football players coming through, the England international said: “I just want to be an inspiration and I want them to always remember how I played on the pitch.
“I also want them to always remember the happy moments that I brought on to the pitch and fun memories of my time playing.”
Asked to advise the next generation of young black footballers coming through, Madueke said: “Everything is possible if you put your mind to it because we were definitely brought into this world to be great, so go and be great.”
The winger, whose full name is Chukwunonso Azuka Tristan Madueke, joined Arsenal from fellow Premier League London rivals, Chelsea, last summer for a transfer fee reportedly worth £48.5 million, rising to £52 million with add-ons.
He made his debut for Arsenal on 17 August, as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Manchester United in a Premier League game at Old Trafford.
On September 23, it was announced that Madueke would be out for six to eight weeks with a knee injury after leaving the pitch in the Gunners’ 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium.
