Alex Iwobi is looking forward to working with Arsenal’s new head coach Unai Emery despite being left surprised by the exit of his former mentor Arsene Wenger.
Wenger called time on his 22-year stay at Arsenal at the end of the 2017-18 season, with the French coach leaving the footballing world in shock at deciding to leave the north London club with a year left to run on his contract.
The former England youth international rose through the ranks at Arsenal to become a first-team starter under Wenger, and eventually chose to represent Nigeria at senior international level.
Iwobi tweeted at the time of Wenger’s exit announcement in April that he would “forever be grateful” for everything Wenger had done for him, and once again paid tribute to the long-serving Arsenal boss ahead of Nigeria’s friendly against England at Wembley.
“I was surprised by his decision,” Iwobi said in the pre-match programme notes. “[Wenger] has been there for me since I joined the club and has been very inspirational and influential on my career, but I am excited having our new manager [Emery] next season.”
Regarding his rise at Arsenal, Iwobi added: “It has always been my childhood dream [to play for Arsenal]. I have been playing for Arsenal since I was six.
“The fact I am representing them now is like a dream come true. I am always proud to wear the Arsenal colours and long may it continue.”