Mohamed Elneny has recently opened up about the emotional moment when Arsenal offered him a new contract, despite facing uncertainty due to a significant knee injury.
This new deal not only extends his time at the club but also marks him as the longest-serving player in the current squad.
After Arsenal offered him a new contract earlier this year, Mohamed Elneny confessed it brought him to tears.
Elneny’s future at Arsenal seemed uncertain due to a significant knee injury which kept him out of action until September, especially as his contract was due to expire in June.
Despite the hurdles, Arsenal offered the 31-year-old midfielder a one-year contract, thus solidifying his position as the current squad’s longest-serving player.
Mikel Arteta, speaking about the decision, said, “Totally deserved. He’s an absolute joy to have at the club. I think what the club has done is absolutely brilliant. We value the people that we have and we are going to stick with them in difficult moments.”
Elneny expressed his gratitude towards the club: “It was one of the happiest days in my life,” he remarked to Standard Sport. “The way they spoke to me, the way the entire club was happy about this decision, they made me cry this day.”
He added, “Arsenal Football Club, they know I love them 100 per cent. They know I don’t want to leave. I want to stay and finish my career there, 100 per cent.
“I was injured and my contract was finishing and I couldn’t play anymore last season, and they approached me immediately after my injury. They said, ‘Mo, what contract will it have to be? We love you here and we want you to stay’. Really, this club is great.”
With an illustrious career at Arsenal, Elneny refers to north London as “home”.
Demonstrating his commitment to football and the community, he established a football club named “Elneny FC“. Initially started as an under-10s side, plans are afoot for the team’s expansion, including integrating more youth sides and even a senior team.
On his post-retirement plans, Elneny commented, “I cannot just stay in England without work [after retiring from playing]. My passion is football, from day one.”
Elneny is also undergoing his coaching badges, having secured his UEFA B Licence. He is part of a legacy of Arsenal players, both past and present, inspired by Mikel Arteta to venture into coaching.
Elneny remains ambitious and envisions his club playing in the Premier League someday. Though met with scepticism, he remains steadfast in his belief. He said, “Some people just don’t get the idea but for me, I love to dream. That is why I need good people around me. Of course, it could take 15 years, 20 years but we have the target where we want to be.”
The midfielder’s father has also tipped him to coach Arsenal one day.