Striker-turned-goalkeeper Brian Okonkwo reveals he admired Man Utd, Arsenal legends

Hale End Academy product Brian Okonkwo has revealed that he used to admire Arsenal icon Robin van Persie and Manchester United's all-time top scorer with 253 goals Wayne Rooney.

Okonkwo signed a scholarship deal with Arsenal last month, a deal that will keep him at the north London club until at least June 30, 2024.

Brian comes from a footballing family, with his elder brother Arthur Okonkwo on the books of Arsenal first team but has been loaned out to Football League side Crewe Alexandra for the 2022-2023 season.

The younger Okonkwo has admitted that he started his career as a striker before becoming a goalkeeper and that explains the reason why two of the best attackers to have played in the Premier League Robin van Persie and Rooney were once his idols.

Speaking to the Arsenal Matchday programme for the visit of Leicester City, Okonkwo said : "There were so many footballers who inspired me as a kid, but having my brother involved with academy football made it feel like it was so much more achievable and that it wasn’t a distant reality.

"I actually started playing football as a striker and I used to love Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney.

"Their combination of technicality ability and aggression was something that I loved, but it took me until I was nine to finally put on the gloves and give it a go."

An Arsenal scout who worked at Okonkwo's Sunday team, Pro Touch recommended him for trials at the Gunners.

Last season, he was called up for three first team matches in the U18 Premier League while still a schoolboy but was a non-playing substitute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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