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Folarin Balogun Speaks Out On First Arsenal Goal As Mikel Arteta Readies New Contract


Folarin Balogun says he was "really happy" to score his first Arsenal goal and urged manager Mikel Arteta to keep "showing faith" in him.

Balogun, 19, came off the bench in the 82nd minute of the Europa League clash and took just one minute to open his Gunners account in his second senior appearance.

The England U20 forward received a square pass from Emile Smith Rowe, turned in the box and finished instinctively to cap a professional Arsenal display.

Balogun's bright cameo and late goal were the latest reminder of his phenomenal potential. He is out of contract at the end of the season and Arteta is keen to tie him down to a new deal.

In the meantime, Balogun called on his gaffer to keep handing him minutes with the first team to continue his development.

"I’m feeling really happy, it shows that all the hard work I’ve put in over the years is just starting to pay off," Balogun told Arsenal's official website.

"It’s important that I keep working hard to enjoy more moments like this.

"I didn’t think that particular [break for the goal] was going to be my chance, but I always try to stay ready and I’m happy that on this occasion it paid off.

"It’s been good [to be involved], it’s nice to see the boss showing faith in me. It feels like this is good experience for me, I just need to keep on learning, keep on adding to my game and I’m happy that I could contribute today."

Meanwhile, Arteta confirmed his desire for Balogun to commit his future to Arsenal as he opened up on "some difficult months" for the youngster.

“Well deserved for the boy. He’s working really hard,” said the Gunners boss. “He had some difficult months with all the speculation around him, he’s handled the situation in a really mature way.

He wants to stay, we want him to stay. We gave him the opportunity and he took it straight away.”

READ ALSO: TEARS IN MY EYES: ARSENAL FANS REACT TO ‘GREAT NEWS’ THEY’VE HEARD


 

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