'Mikel was such a leader' - Hale End product Akpom hails former teammate Arteta
Published: January 21, 2023Ahead of returning to the scene where he made his professional debut, Hale End Academy product Chuba Akpom has hailed his former teammate at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta.
Akpom and his Middlesbrough teammates travel to the Stadium of Light on Sunday to take on Sunderland in a Championship match, with the Super Eagles hopeful in contention to make his 23rd appearance of the season in all competitions.
The striker recorded twelve senior appearances before leaving Arsenal and played with Arteta for the first time in a League Cup fixture against West Brom in September 2013.
Akpom was promoted to Arsenal's first team whilst still a teenager and often rubbed shoulders with the senior players including Arteta during training sessions.
The 27-year-old says he is not surprised that the Spaniard has become a successful coach having exhibited leadership qualities as a player.
"Mikel was such a leader. He didn’t need to shout on the pitch, it was off the field where he really led," Akpom said to The Sun.
"He was always making sure everyone was doing things properly.
"It’s no surprise to see him so successful as a manager because you could see he had those qualities as a player. Because I’m an Arsenal fan, it makes it even better."
Akpom is the leading scorer in the Championship with thirteen goals from twenty matches - his best return in a single season.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- Bournemouth boss urges Southgate to name Nigeria-eligible striker Solanke in England squad for Euro 2004
- What Gunners Invincible Kanu said after Arsenal's historic win against Manchester United at Old Trafford
- Report: Newcastle United ahead of other suitors in the race to sign Nigerian central defender
- Nigerian exports: Onuachu, Afolayan at the double; Okoflex ends goal drought; Kalu, Odutayo strike
- George names Hazard, Cole Palmer as his favourite Chelsea players past and present
- 'I know' - Former Everton CEO reveals Toffees are interested in signing 2013 Fifa U17 World Cup winner
- Tottenham Hotspur urged to splash the cash on former Super Eagles invitee
- Confirmed: Ajax legend Finidi will be presented as new Super Eagles coach on Monday
- 'PL clubs could easily pay' - Ex-Ajax striker not ruling out Akpom's return to England for fee of N46b
- PL2 playoffs: Tri-national forward Butler-Oyedeji on target in Arsenal's dramatic 3-2 loss to Chelsea
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- Women's Football