Kanu Nwankwo says his success at Arsenal 'opened the doors' for more African footballers to play in the Premier League. Today Thursday, February 18, marks the 17th anniversary of Kanu signing for the club, and
the 39-year-old has fond memories of his time in north London.
"I believe I was the first African
person who came to England and did very well," he told Arsenal Player.
"After that the doors opened for African talent so, with Arsenal behind
me and what we did with Arsenal, everybody now tends to follow the
English league.
"When I came over I saw a good coach who saw the best in me. I was a good player because he made it easier for me to play.
"Everybody believes that English football is all about playing the
ball up, not keeping it on the ground, but Arsène has his own idea of
football and it made it easier for us. He wanted us to play football the
right way, he wanted us to enjoy it by passing the ball around and
that’s what we did
"It was very easy to adjust when you saw the fans. The supporters are
behind you and they love you and what you are doing and that means you
have to do more. If you keep doing more, they keep loving you and it was
very easy for them to adopt me.
"I had the skills and the tricks the fans really love. When I left
Arsenal I still had the fans on my mind and since then I’ve been
supporting the club."
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