“Always wanted to wear No. 14 like him”- Eddie Nketiah looks forward to emulating idol Thierry Henry after signing a new contract with Arsenal
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Arsenal’s young striker, Eddie Nketiah signed a new 5-year deal until June 2027 with the Gunners today. What’s more exciting for the 23-year-old is that he will now wear the no. 14 shirt at the Emirates, like his idol, Thierry Henry, during his time at Arsenal.
Even after renewing the contract of Nketiah, Arsenal is on the lookout for a striker this summer to replace Alexander Lacazette. The Frenchman left the club for free this summer to re-join Olympique Lyon.
“I really like 14” – Eddie Nketiah on donning Henry’s shirt no. at Arsenal
The youngster was delighted to wear the no.14, especially since the history that it carries with itself. Thierry Henry wore the no. 14 from 1999 to 2007. The Frenchman managed 369 appearances in that time, becoming the club’s all-time leading goal scorer with 226 to his name. He assisted a further 99 times for the Gunners before moving to Barcelona.
The no. 14 shirt has also been worn by Theo Walcott and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before Nketiah and both went on to be successful players for Arsenal. Walcott scored over 100 times in his time at the Emirates while Aubameyang scored 92 goals in 163 appearances for Arsenal.
Speaking about wearing the no.14, Eddie Nketiah said, “Nine is a favourite number of mine as well but I really like 14, You can all guess why, with Henry as my favourite player growing up, my idol.”
“I’ve always wanted to wear the No14 like him. I like it and it’s a number that I’ve always worn growing up. When I knew that opportunity was available to wear, I didn’t really think twice.”
Eddie Nketiah has seen a surge in his form lately for Arsenal. The 23-year-old started all of Arsenal’s last 8 league games last season scoring 5 times. The player’s contract extension will surely ease pressure on Mikel Arteta as he looks for a new striker in the Summer.
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Shubham Mohta
(334 Articles Published)