Fact: After Madueke's move from Chelsea, Arsenal highlight role of Nigerian father in winger's career

Noni Madueke has departed Fifa Club World Cup champions Chelsea for good, with Arsenal confirming the signing of the England international of Nigerian descent on a long-term contract on Friday.

Signed in January 2023 from PSV Eindhoven, Madueke appeared in 92 games during his time at Stamford Bridge, scoring 20 goals and registering nine assists.

Shortly after confirming the signing, Arsenal shared thirteen facts about the dual-national forward, among them, the significant role his Nigerian father played in shaping his footballing journey.

The Gunners noted that a conversation between Noni's Nigerian father, Ify Madueke and the father of then-PSV defender Ian Maatsen, now at Aston Villa, changed the course of his career. 

The discussion took place during an academy tournament and led to Madueke making the bold move abroad to join Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven. 

That decision proved crucial, giving the winger the platform to develop away from the English spotlight and eventually earn a high-profile move back to the Premier League with Chelsea.

Madueke said to Chelsea's website: "In that game when we played them, one of their parents was speaking to my dad – it was Ian Maatsen's. They were laughing and joking and then my dad said he’d bring me to PSV.

"Once Ian Maatsen’s dad realised my dad was being serious, he went straight over and told their coach.

"They came and watched a few more games and came in at the end of the season and said they wanted to do it."

Arsenal have become Madueke's fourth London club, following previous spells with Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: Instagram 

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