Noni Madueke addresses Arsenal fan petition and clarifies view on Chelsea return

Noni Madueke scored his first Arsenal goal against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night and he’s now gearing up for his return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday following his summer transfer from Chelsea

Noni Madueke insists the fan petition against his Arsenal transfer is now a distant memory – because the love he’s now receiving from supporters is spurring him on.

The England international, who made his long-awaited return from a knee injury against Tottenham last Sunday, netted his first Gunners goal in Wednesday night’s Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.

Madueke admits he had to display thick skin when he first made the controversial £52million switch across London from Chelsea but now he’s reaping the rewards of his brave new venture.

He said on the initial discourse surrounding his arrival: “To be honest, I just kind of take all that stuff in my stride. It is normal, you are in the public eye, people can say whatever they want about you but being in the stadium and how the fans have taken to me in the stadium, is unbelievable. I am not really worried about all of that. It is in the distant past.”

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Madueke is now utilising the energy from the stands to take his game to the next level, adding: “Like the last game versus Tottenham, it was incredible and that gives me such a boost.

“I play on the side of the pitch, I can feel the fans, I can hear them. When they are that positive about me it gives me a massive boost. Honestly, I am made up about it.”

The 23-year-old is now gearing up for his return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday. He is conscious the reception may not be so pleasant but is determined to deliver for Arsenal as they look to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

Madueke continued: “For me, it is another game, honestly. The fixture is not about me. The fixture is about Arsenal getting another three points in the league and being closer to our objective. That is honestly how I think about it.

“It might be a little bit hostile, it might not be, but I am a professional footballer. I have played in loads of atmospheres.

“I don’t know if anything will faze me, I will just be focused on the task ahead.

“That is the most important thing. It is about our team and trying to win the game. It’s as simple as that.”

Madueke was in red-hot form for both club and country prior to suffering his knee injury against Manchester City in September.

England boss Thomas Tuchel was at the Emirates Stadium in midweek and his presence was viewed positively by the winger, who feels he has something to prove ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

He said when asked when he’d last been in contact with his international boss: “About three hours ago, before the game!

“He told me he was in the stands and to be fair, I am probably going to run off to see if I can still catch him.

“But it is great he is here. I know he does a lot of work trying to get out to as many games as possible, trying to watch as many players as possible. I am made up that he saw my first goal, here, today.”

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