Charles Sagoe Jr is not the most popular name in the Arsenal squad. He is not the most well-known talents in world football as well. But Sagoe Jr is slowly rising in the footballing ranks as a commendable talent. During an interview with Goal.com, the youngster shared his experience at Arsenal. He describes his growth from being an academy graduate, his multiple loan spells, and also, most importantly, his experience of working with some of the best players in the world. 21-year-old Sagoe Jr also shared his experience of working with Arsenal superstar Bukayo Saka. He talked about how both of them shared a very similar pathway to the Arsenal first team.
Charles Sagoe Jr and Arsenal
Charles Sagoe Jr initially started off his footballing career at the Fulham academy. Then he made the move to Arsenal’s academy when he was just 12 years old. Since then, Arsenal has been a recurring constant in his life and career. He has constantly worked on his game consistently. After years of hardwork, Sagoe Jr finally had his moment in 2023. That year was extremely special for the Englishman, as he took part in Arsenal’s pre-season tour. And more importantly, he made his Arsenal first-team debut in 2023 as well. Charles Sagoe Jr has shared his experience of his Arsenal debut in the Carabao Cup.
“That memory will always live by me,” he said. “As a little boy, I’d always grown up watching Arsenal, so having the opportunity to put on that shirt and step out with the likes of Emile [Smith Rowe] and Martin Odegaard was an absolute pleasure. I’m forever grateful for the manager putting trust in me and having faith to start me in that game. And we were lucky enough to win. It’s a memory that will always stick by me.”
Charles Sagoe Jr and his future
The youngster was all set to progress in his career after 2023. As any young talent would hope for, he got a couple of loan spells to improve his game and gametime. He first made the loan move to Swansea City in the 2023/24 season and then to Shrewsbury Town in the following season. However, neither loan spells went according to plan for Charles Sagoe Jr. He did not receive the gametime he expected when he made the moves. After two disappointing seasons for the promising talent, Sagoe Jr has made use of the ongoing season in the best of ways. He has gone back to the Arsenal U-21s and is having a sensational season with them. He already has five goals and five assists in just 12 games, consequently earning the spotlight.
“I’ve had a very enjoyable campaign, affecting games with goals and assists and trying to help the team win as many games as possible,” he said. “In this day and age, wingers are judged on goals and assists. As much as it’s positive, beating my man, inevitably, it’s about end product behind that skill. So, obviously, when I’m getting goals and assists, it means I’m doing my job for the team and if that’s helping us win games, that’s a positive for me to take on board.”
Sagoe Jr also said: “I’m one of the older ones this year. It’s a different type of role that I’m having to face, obviously mentoring some of the younger ones and passing my advice on board and I’ve really enjoyed that role. It’s a different character within me. Normally, I’m one of the quiet ones. So it’s a new type of role which I’m really taking on board and I’m enjoying.”
Conclusion
Sagoe Jr will now be extremely hungry to make it to the first team and grow in his career. However, the competition is going to be extremely intense. He will need to impress manager Mikel Arteta in the best way possible.
As featured on GoonerNews.com