Agbonlahor issues emphatic Eddie Nketiah claim after ‘special’ Arsenal reveal
Gabby Agbonlahor has hit back at the “stupid” critics of Eddie Nketiah after he took the famous number 14 shirt at Arsenal.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England attacker insisted times have moved on from Thierry Henry and Nketiah must back himself to thrive under the pressure.
Arsenal confirmed last weekend (18 June) that the 23-year-old had signed a new five-year contract and had been handed the number 14 shirt made famous by Henry.
He told the Telegraph on Thursday (23 June) that his new number was “special” but he was confident of putting his own stamp on it.
“It will add a bit of pressure but I like it,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“He’s bold in doing that. There have been players in other clubs like Joelinton who had the nine shirt, Alan Shearer’s number, at Newcastle and didn’t like the pressure so he changed. Some players can handle it, some can’t.
“You’re using Thierry Henry’s number but that was 16 or 17 years ago the last time he wore it, maybe longer. You can’t think ‘I’m not going to wear that shirt’.
“Harry Winks wears number eight for Spurs, Gazza’s number.
“I don’t think it matters. The shirt’s available, you back yourself, you’re young, still improving, why can’t you wear it?
“I don’t see the issue and I don’t think Arsenal fans will see the issue. Times move on. There’s nobody else who you think should have that 14 shirt.
“Anybody who’s commented on it saying he shouldn’t have it is stupid, to be honest.”
In other news, a club are close to signing an Arsenal 22-year-old for a seven-figure fee.