Madueke ‘not worried’ by fan criticism over signing

Noni Madueke, a winger, claims he is “not really worried” by the criticism he received from Arsenal supporters after moving this summer.

More than 4, 000 people signed the #NoToMadueke petition to protest his £48.5 million signing from Chelsea in July.

After scoring his first goal for the Gunners in Wednesday’s 3-1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich, Madueke, 23, said the criticism is “in the distant past.”

People can say anything they want about you because of the fact that you are in the public eye, he said.

Due to a knee injury suffered in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in September, Madueke has missed six of Arsenal’s 12 Premier League games this season.

In Sunday’s north London derby, he came on after nine weeks out after winning 4-1 against Tottenham in the 78th minute.

“The last game versus Tottenham was incredible, and that gives me such a boost,” Madueke said.

“I play side of the pitch,” I said. I can hear and feel them. I get a lot of relief when they think that of me. I’m made up about it, really.

Second-placed Chelsea are six points adrift on Sunday when the leaders of Arsenal take on them at Stamford Bridge.

It might be a little hostile, but it might not. But Madueke defended his professional footballing skills.

I’ve played a lot of atmospheres. I’m not sure if anything will stifle me. I’ll concentrate solely on the task.