Eddie Nketiah told an Arsenal team-mate to ‘stop feeling sorry for himself’ having played a reduced role under Mikel Arteta in frustrations at his own lack of playing time.
The 23-year-old striker has been open about his desire to become Arsenal’s main forward following the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, as he mentions in All or Nothing: Arsenal.
In one memorable part of episode seven, Nketiah responds after Albert Sambi Lokonga tells his colleagues across a dining room table that he isn’t happy sitting on the bench.
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While eating in Arsenal’s London Colney canteen with Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares and Lokonga, Nketiah tucks into his lunch before the chat begins.
Tavares says: “How are you Sambi?” Who refuses to answer with a cheeky look before saying: “Enjoy your food.”
With Nketiah and Smith Rowe agreeing that he his mood had changed quickly since his arrival from Anderlecht, Lokonga laughs before saying: “I was playing!”
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(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
To which Nketiah prompts laughter from the table by hitting back: “So what my friend? You think you’re the only man not f***ing playing my friend? Stop feeling sorry for yourself.”
Lokonga, 22, made 19 appearances in the Premier League last season after joining from Anderlecht – but only 12 of those were starts.
Former England youth international Nketiah, on the other hand, made 21 appearances but 13 of those came from the bench – and is now behind Gabriel Jesus in Arteta’s plans despite signing a contract that lasts until 2027.
(Image: Getty Images)
Nketiah said last year: “I have worked hard and stayed dedicated and that has added to the frustration.”
Adding: “I believe in my ability so obviously I think I am capable of playing and helping the team.
“It is frustrating not playing but you have to channel that frustration in a good way, use your time wisely to work hard and prepare for when that opportunity arises.”
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