Noni Madueke has been speaking out about his relationship with Arsenal supporters in recent weeks, with the winger aware of the 'dicey' reaction to his summer transfer from Chelsea
Noni Madueke during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium.
Noni Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has revealed he receives a 'big boost' from the Emirates Stadium supporters, despite an uncertain reception from fans following his summer switch from Chelsea. The England international was among eight new signings brought in during the transfer window, joining from the Blues in a deal potentially worth £52 million including add-ons.
Initially, some Arsenal supporters expressed doubts online about the transfer. However, Madueke quickly won over critics with impressive early-season displays, notably shining in September's 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
The winger has been sidelined for the past 11 matches across all competitions due to a knee problem. There are hopes he could feature in the north London derby against Tottenham following the international break.
Speaking ahead of that fixture, Madueke has discussed his connection with Arsenal's fanbase. He acknowledged being aware of the initial response to his arrival, while highlighting the positive atmosphere he's experienced at the Emirates Stadium.
"The team has been great. Of course we're flying. It's not just a team of great and talented players," he told The Dispatch podcast. "It's a team full of good people. And I think the culture around here is probably the best I've seen.
"And yeah, in terms of the supporters, it was a bit dicey at the start on social media and stuff before I came to the club. But when I've been in the stadium, I haven't felt like the fans (have been criticising me).
"Obviously I play on the side down the pitch so I can hear them and they push me on throughout the game. Whenever I get the ball I hear them.
"God willing that continues because it gives me a big. big boost.
"I always love playing at the Emirates. I always look forward to the next game when I'm back there. The fans have been amazing and I really appreciate how they've handled everything."
Noni Madueke in action for Arsenal.
Noni Madueke could make his Arsenal comeback from injury after the international break.
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Earlier this season, Mikel Arteta described Madueke's response to the scepticism surrounding his arrival on social media.
"We were about to sign him and there was that reaction around him. I spoke to him and he was like 'I can't wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys'," he said.
"I said, 'well, let's bring him'. If I was convinced before, I'm more convinced now that he's going to do it and yeah, I think he has such a power, such a capacity to repeat efforts.
"Because to be able to do that physically, you have to have a different specimen, I think. And he's certainly that. But he's very skilful, very unpredictable, so willing to learn and he brings joy.
"I look at him and he's always smiling, he's always trying things. He gets one wrong, he goes again. And that's what I love about the creative players, because you need that to be successful."
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