The Nigeria legend believes his
accomplishment with the north London side
was the lucky charm for African players to
thrive in the English topflight
Kanu Nwankwo has said his success with
Arsenal paved way for more African
footballers to play and thrive in the English
Premier League.
The former Super Eagles skipper joined the
Gunners in 1999 and helped Arsene Wenger’s
men lift two Premier League trophies, two FA
Cups during his five year at the club where he
boasts of 44 goals in 198 games.
February 18 marks his 17th anniversary of
signing for the club, and the 39-year-old has
fond memories of his time in north London.
“I believe I was the first [African] person who
came to England and did very well,” Kanu told
Arsenal Player.
“After that, the doors opened for African
talents so, with Arsenal behind me and what
we did with Arsenal, everybody now tends to
follow the English league.
“When I came over I saw a good coach who
saw the best in me. I was a good player
because he made it easier for me to play.
“Everybody believes that English football is all
about playing the ball up, not keeping it on
the ground, but Arsène has his own idea of
football and it made it easier for us. He
wanted us to play football the right way, he
wanted us to enjoy it by passing the ball
around and that’s what we did.
“It was very easy to adjust when you saw the
fans. The supporters are behind you and they
love you and what you are doing and that
means you have to do more. If you keep doing
more, they keep loving you and it was very
easy for them to adopt me.
“I had the skills and the tricks the fans really
love. When I left Arsenal I still had the fans on
my mind and since then I’ve been supporting
the club,” he concluded.
Before hanging his soccer boots, Kanu also
featured for Portsmouth and West Bromwich
Albion.
http://m.goal.com/s/en-ng/news/4093/nigerian-football/2016/02/17/20434182/my-success-at-arsenal-opened-doors-for-african-players-kanu