U.S. men’s national team star Folarin Balogun has shed light on his Arsenal departure following his summer transfer to Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.
Balogun had featured in pre-season for Arsenal, notably in the 2023 MLS All-Star game, representing the Gunners against the best of Major League Soccer. But the uncertainty clouding Balogun’s future loomed large.
Amid interest from football giants Chelsea and Inter, Arsenal ultimately chose to offload the USMNT sensation to Monaco. While Balogun was enthusiastic about the move, his off-season at Arsenal left him with more questions than answers.
Speaking to ESPN about his interactions with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Balogun said, “He [Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta] didn’t really say much, he just said that when I came back he just said well done, and he encouraged me to keep going. “Then me coming back in a preseason, it was just more about me seeing whether I fit into his plans and seeing if I can continue to play some games.”
Work rate > Troy Deeney 👀
Folarin Balogun builds his ultimate striker 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3psL7l76c5
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 9, 2023
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Balogun explained, “He said that he would try to get me involved as best as he could, but of course he also told me that the people higher up were making decisions on me and seeing what would be best for me. So the conversations between me and him were good, but it was more about the club, what they wanted to do.
“It wasn’t something that made me feel anxious, it was just more a case of seeing what wanted to be done. It was out of my hands, that’s how I felt – it wasn’t something I could control. The only thing I could do was just turn up to train and work hard.”
Since donning Monaco’s colors, Balogun has racked three goals and an assist in just five games. His career appears to be on an exciting trajectory – much like his former club, even if Arsenal’s plans didn’t include him.
Now, he gears up to represent the USMNT in upcoming friendlies against Germany and Ghana.
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