Noni Madueke Delivers Bold Statement as He Prepares to Face Former Club Chelsea
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has emphasized that he harbors no resentment toward his previous club Chelsea as he gets ready to face the Blues for the first time since his summer departure.
Madueke transferred to Arsenal in a deal valued at up to £52 million ($68.8 million) in July, quickly concluding his stint at Stamford Bridge just two-and-a-half years into a seven-year agreement that was set to expire in 2030. It had become evident over several months that Chelsea were prepared to capitalize and sell Madueke for a financial gain, having invested £28.5 million to acquire him in January 2023.
This type of strategy aligns perfectly with the club's transfer philosophy, viewing each deal as a commercial opportunity, which left Madueke to evaluate his possibilities and reach an agreement with Arsenal.
The England international has experienced disruption in his early period at the club due to a knee problem, but he celebrated Wednesday's impressive Champions League victory over Bayern Munich with his first goal for the Gunners. Following questions about the transfer price, this achievement helps silence his detractors.
"[Silencing skeptics] was certainly a small motivation," he shared with TNT Sports after the match, when asked whether the criticism had increased his drive to excel at Arsenal.
"I'm a self-assured player so I don't appreciate anyone suggesting that I'm incapable of achieving something. But it's my colleagues and the coaching staff, how they've embraced me and the confidence they show in me [that is] the genuine reason I want to perform and contribute, play exceptionally well and help us secure silverware."
There was a hint of a subtle grin on Madueke's face when he mentioned "another significant match" approaching on Sunday against Chelsea, possibly eager to prove himself against the club that was ready to part ways with him. However, his comments indicated he isn't carrying any resentment, at minimum.
"We'll have to see what happens, it's first versus second, but they are an excellent side, we have an excellent side, so it will be an entertaining match, hopefully, we achieve the outcome we desire," Madueke stated.
Madueke Provides Arsenal with a 'Unique Dimension'
Madueke wasn't in the starting lineup against Bayern, having only received his first playing time since returning from injury as a replacement in the successful north London derby. But when Leandro Trossard was substituted in the opening half, the 23-year-old ended up featuring for more than half the contest.
Mikel Arteta, who showed confidence in Madueke despite solid but not spectacular statistics at Chelsea, was thrilled to witness the player's contribution.
"He's put in tremendous effort to return," Arteta informed journalists. "I believe he was in excellent form before sustaining the injuries. He's among the players who was delivering at the top level and now we have him available again.
"He featured on the left wing, he played on the right wing. He brought us something as a unique dimension in that attacking line. I'm extremely satisfied to see him and hopefully there are many more performances to follow."