Former Gunner Okonkwo reveals how his Nigerian dad forced him to watch Manchester United

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo has revealed that his Nigerian dad forced him to watch Manchester United while growing up.

The Hale End academy product was born in London to Nigerian parents who luckily for him loved football and that explained why he kick-started his career early.

He began his career at the Hampstead Academy before joining Lindus Park and then moved to Arsenal academy at the age of eight and then progressed through the north London side youth ranks.

The new Wrexham shot stopper has revealed how he was forced to watch the Red Devils' games by his father and became a fan of the club's legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar.

He revealed this during his interview with the Men In Blazers' podcast when asked about who his role models were.

"At this age I just remember watching loads of football with my dad growing up and he's a big Manchester United supporter which is a bit different," Okonkwo stated.

"I don't know how he supported United. I don't know how it started but maybe his dad supported United and it has just been a family thing.

"I obviously didn't support United, I supported Arsenal growing up. My hero as a kid was Edwin van der Sar, I just loved watching him and my dad had United on the telly all the time.

"I was forced to watch Manchester United all the time and watching Edwin van der Sar.

"He had so much respect from players, it's something you noticed when you're much younger, so he was a great role model and a great goalkeeper to watch."

Despite being a staunch Manchester United fan, Okonkwo's father obviously didn't let that affect the development of his son and enrolled him at the Arsenal academy

The 22-year-old ended his association with the Gunners last month upon the expiration of his contract and has since then joined Wrexham.

He impressed for the Red Dragons last season while on loan with the club and the League One side took advantage of his contractual situation to sign him on a permanent deal.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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