Exclusive: Albert Sambi Lokonga Shares Details on Shocking Departure from Arsenal After Surprising Phone Call from Patrick Vieira
Albert Sambi Lokonga had reservations about leaving Arsenal in January, but a phone call with Patrick Vieira convinced him to join Crystal Palace on loan for the remainder of the season. According to Albert Sambi Lokonga, a phone call with Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira convinced him to join Crystal Palace on loan.
Lokonga, 23, has spent the bulk of the season playing second fiddle to Thomas Partey. However, with Arsenal’s acquisition of Jorginho on transfer deadline day, he has fallen even further down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium.
The Belgium international confesses he had misgivings about a temporary transition to Selhurst Park, but a talk with Vieira, who made over 400 games and won three Premier League titles during his time at Arsenal, convinced him to travel to south London.
Reflecting on his choice to leave the Gunners, who are attempting to end a 19-year title drought, he told club media, “It was not easy [to leave Arsenal] since, as you can see, they are leading the league, but for me, the most important factor was the coach’s confidence.”
“I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives. He said to me ‘welcome’. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it.”
What’s Trending
- Kenya Pipeline Volleyball Team Set for Title Defense in Uganda
- Martha Karua’s NARC-Kenya rebrands to People’s Liberation Party
- Bobi Wine’s Party Reports Police Raid, Claims Spy Devices Installed
- Gachagua: Ruto is in a Gold Business With RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo
- Khalwale Bows to Pressure, Moves to Withdraw Motorcycle Bill
Before his transfer on the transfer deadline, Lokonga had made 15 appearances for the Gunners this season, but had only started two Premier League games.
Lokonga, who might make his Eagles debut on Saturday against Manchester United, has set his goals on accumulating as many minutes as possible between now and the conclusion of the season.
He continued, “I’d like to acquire some playing time because I want to take the club as far as possible. I do not wish to specify a number, but I will endeavor to push myself and the team to our limits to reach the top.
“I don’t want to speak about ranking; I just think we need to take it game by game. Try to win each game and that is how we will do something great.
“Today I have been a lot in the car moving from left to right, but I’m fully fit – I am ready to start if needed on Saturday in the game [against Manchester United].”
Lokonga made 24 appearances for Arsenal past season after joining the club for £18 million in the summer of 2021. Crystal Palace are presently 12th in the Premier League and will look to advance after increasing their midfield options on the transfer deadline with Lokonga and Naouirou Ahamada.
Exclusive: Albert Sambi Lokonga Shares Details on Shocking Departure from Arsenal After Surprising Phone Call from Patrick Vieira
