As you’ll know, the Arsenal lads are scattered far and wide right now – some helping their countries to World Cup qualifying wins, others settling into life on loan.
Along the way, they’ve been talking to the media or popping up in conversation. Here’s a look at what’s been said…
England under-19 head coach Will Antwi on the treatment dished out to Max Dowman by Spain’s under-19s…
I think if you’re a good winger, that’s going to come your way, so he has to find a way to adapt and we have to help protect him. In a different game the referee gives a few more cautions. Today there were eight fouls on him before anyone got a yellow card, and that’s not right. It’s the way he plays; (the opposition) have to find a way to stop him. I don’t think it’s deliberate. He has the skill to cause opponents those problems.
Source: The Athletic
Spain boss Luis De La Fuente on hat-trick hero Mikel Merino after Sunday’s 6-0 win over Turkey…
We have fantastic players, and he’s another example of a footballer who does many things well, who’s a genius, a world-class player, and who sometimes doesn’t get the recognition in Spain. He’s one of the best in the world in his position. What we have are good people, who are humble and want to continue growing.
Source: Marca
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Eberechi Eze on everything that’s happened both personally and professionally in recent weeks….
There’s a lot going on. It’s fun for me. This is why I play football. These are opportunities you want. This is it for me. I was trying to enjoy it because you have that moment and then that’s it – gone. I’m just excited to play, excited to do my thing on the pitch, to work hard, apply myself and get to doing what I do. There’s been a lot of noise off the pitch but I just want to get down and play. It is special. It’s not everyone that gets to experience these types of moments.
Source: BBC Sport
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Noni Madueke on starting alongside three other Gooners during England’s 2-0 win over Andorra…
It’s fun. Loads of Arsenal players got called up, I think it’s a testament to the work we’re doing at Sobha. Really happy to be here with the boys and to get a win. I’m really happy with how my international career has started in the last year, god willing it will continue.
Source: Hayters
Martin Odegaard on his new haircut…
I miss the bangs, but it’s going well. It’s lovely. It dries quickly.
Source: TV2 (via Dagbladet)
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Spain midfielder Rodri on Martin Zubimendi’s potential…
He’s a great player. He has the discipline and mentality that can lead him to become one of the best, if he isn’t already. I spoke to him the other day and told him it was his time, that I was leaving him the keys to the [Spain] team.
Source: One Football
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Jurrien Timber on his versatility…
I see it as an advantage. Isn’t it a positive thing that you can play in multiple positions? Yes, it spreads your chances, you could say,” Timber continues. “The important thing is that you play, and that’s how you maximize your chances.”
Source: Ajax Showtime (via Sport Witness)
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Fabio Vieira on his decision to join Hamburg on deadline day…
It was a difficult time, of course, but we’re all professionals; we’re used to it. It happened very quickly. I was convinced after the first conversation with the coach and the sporting director. I immediately had the feeling they wanted me here. As a player, everyone has to feel comfortable under pressure on the pitch; that’s our job. That’s what we like. Feeling pressure is part of football. I want to help the team and can hardly wait for things to really get going here.
Source: MOPO (via Sport Witness)
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Gabriel Martinelli on worrying about injuries in a World Cup year…
While it may seem like it’s not long now [until the World Cup], it’s actually a long time away for us, given the number of games we have this season and what can happen in each game. We’re really worried that something might happen, but it’s our job… We have to do our best so that when the World Cup gets closer, we’re on the list.
Source: Lance
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Gabriel Magalhaes on his form and making Brazil’s World Cup squad…
When you talk about the Brazilian national team, you have to work every day, work within your club so you can get here in good shape. So, I know I’m doing very well, I know the level I can still reach. I’m coming back from an injury, but I feel good and ready. And to get to the World Cup, there are still nine months to go, so I still have a lot to prove to be there. I’m confident in myself. I’ll have to maintain the level and keep working.
Source: ESPN Brasil