Mohamed Elneny: "I Want To Be An Arsenal Legend Like Thierry Henry"

Mohamed Elneny has revealed he wants to become an Arsenal legend like his hero, Thierry Henry. The Egyptian midfielder was speaking while at the African Cup of Nations ahead of Wednesday’s qualification decider against Ghana (via The Daily Mail).

Mohamed Elneny will take to the field with his country on Wednesday evening but some Arsenals fans will be quietly hoping his side loses. Egypt need a point to qualify for the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations but with the current injury crisis in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield, Gunners fans will be wanting Elneny back in England.

A win or draw for Egypt against Ghana will mean qualification for Elneny’s men but a defeat could open the door for Mali to pip them to second place.

“I definitely miss not being in England,” Elneny revealed to the Daily Mail. “[But] This is my nation, my country. I have to answer the call to play with the national team.

“For us as Egyptians, we would do anything for our country. And in particular, we know the importance of this tournament. The Egyptian fans are so keen to claim the title again.”

They face an uphill task to do that and after discussing his chances with Egypt, Elneny turned his attentions to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger.

“Wenger is the best coach in the world, so when he called me it means I’m going in the right direction.

“Since I arrived, I’ve enjoyed the whole experience. Not just playing for the club, but the country itself. The friends I’m making, the supporters. The whole atmosphere around the football. It’s been one of the best years of my life.

“I want to be a legend at this club like Thierry Henry. I mean, obviously not exactly like him. I have my own personality, my own character. I want to be different to anyone that’s gone before.

“But since I got here, I’ve always had that in mind. I wanted to become an Arsenal legend.”

It’s good that Elneny has set his sights so high. He settled in quickly and has been a useful part of the Arsenal squad in the past 12 months. Ideally, the midfielder will enjoy success with his Egyptian teammates before returning to an Arsenal team which has won all its recent matches next month.