Speaking at his presentation as an AS Monaco player Folarin Balogun (22) said he had no regrets regarding his time at Arsenal.
After a breakout season on loan at Stade de Reims, during which he scored 21 goals in Ligue 1, Balogun returned to parent club Arsenal. However, in the search for first-team football, he departed the Premier League club on a permanent transfer on Wednesday, signing a five-year deal at Monaco.
In a press conference, attended by Get French Football News, Balogun was asked if he had any regrets about his time at Arsenal. “For me, I don’t have any regrets. Football is a competitive sport, and of course, the manager sometimes makes choices: sometimes there are opportunities for some players, and sometimes it’s a bit difficult,” he responded.
“I wanted to play, I wanted to prove to people that I can compete at this level. I think the decision was natural, but I wouldn’t say there is any regret,” added the USMNT striker.
Balogun, who only played 10 times for Arsenal, scoring twice, was asked whether he believed he was given a fair shot at his formative club, to which he responded, “As a young player, I want to play. I want to prove what I’m capable of. What’s done is done. You don’t always get the opportunity. Sometimes that opens door to new opportunities. I am happy with the way things turned out. I wish Arsenal all the best for the season. We’re looking to achieve great things at Monaco this season.”