Maalik Hashi was delighted to sign his first professional contract, calling it a “proud moment” for himself and his family.
The creative midfielder joined us in December 2022, and having worked his way up to under-18s level, has penned his first pro deal as a Gunner.
Joined by his family at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, our midfielder explained what signing the first senior contract of his career meant to him.
“I’m really excited, it’s a proud moment for me and my family,” Maalik said, “It’s not only me on this journey.
“It’s my family with me as well and helping me every day to get better. I started probably in the garden with my dad, just doing kick ups and then found my way at Arsenal.
“Then from there, got the two years to under-16s, then got my scholarship and now we’re here.”
Maalik has already experienced success as a Gunner, being part of the team that won the U16s Premier League Cup last season.
The 17-year-old feels the experience of playing in a cup final will be valuable as he pushes forwards with his career.
“It was a really good feeling, it was playing as a team, getting through tough games and then getting to the final as well was a big moment in itself.
“I think winning it is very good. The experience for the boys and I playing in big games, I think helps us get used to playing in big moments, playing under pressure and staying calm, that really helps.”
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Since his success with our under-16s, Maalik has made the step up to our under-18s side, which means training and playing at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
He described the experience of being in and around our first team squad as “mesmerising,” singling out Declan Rice as a player he’s particularly inspired by.
“Just being around the first team, just looking up to them and taking notes of how they work on themselves day in, day out and just seeing how they work is really inspirational.
“(Declan’s) attitude, every time he comes in, he’s always smiling, ready to train, ready to put the work in.
“I think he’s a big inspiration for a lot of other young players as well.”
This deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
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