Madueke Silences Doubters With Bayern Goal And Prepares For Chelsea Return

‎Noni Madueke says he paid no attention to social-media criticism surrounding his move to Arsenal, choosing instead to focus on his game.

‎The England forward has drawn confidence from the warm reception he’s received from Arsenal supporters.

‎He capped that feeling with his first goal for the club in Wednesday’s 3–1 Champions League win over Bayern Munich, in just his second appearance since returning from a September knee injury.

‎Madueke said that the injury was “horrible timing” given his good start after joining from Chelsea for £48.5m plus up to £3.5m in bonuses.

‎Some supporters voiced opposition online to his arrival and a petition entitled #NOTOMADUEKE was launched. That garnered only 5,000 signees and the 23-year-old insisted he had “taken it all in his stride”.

‎“You are in the public eye, people can say whatever they want about you,” he said.

‎“But being in the stadium, and how the fans have taken to me in the stadium, is unbelievable. I am not really worried about all of that. It is in the distant past.

‎”The last game versus Tottenham was incredible and that gives me such a boost. I play on the side of the pitch, I can feel them [the fans], I can hear them. When they are that positive about me it gives me a massive boost. Honestly, I am made up about it.”

‎Arsenal travel to Chelsea on Sunday with a six-point cushion atop the Premier League. Madueke could be in line to start for the first time since the 1-1 draw with Manchester City at the end of September, while Leandro Trossard’s fitness is in doubt after limping off against Bayern.

‎Madueke said he would be comfortable on either wing and wasn’t sure what reception to expect from the Chelsea fans.

‎“It might be a little bit hostile, it might not be, but I am a professional footballer,” he said.

‎“I have played in loads of atmospheres. I don’t know if anything will faze me. I will just be focused on the task.”

‎Asked whether Arsenal were capable of winning the Premier League and Champions League this season, Madueke said, “Our goal going into every game is to win the game. I don’t know if it is great to be thinking so far ahead in November.”