Folarin Balogun (22) says that former AS Monaco and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry put the thought of a move the Principality club in his mind.
Balogun completed his move to Monaco on Wednesday, signing a five-year deal with Les Monégasques. In an interview with the club’s social media channels, the USMNT revealed that a conversation with Henry, who like Balogun played for both clubs, planted the thought of a move.
“When I played against Monaco last year, I messaged him before the game and he was telling me about the club, the history. He also said the city is very nice. That put the thought in my mind, and over time it became more clear that this is the next step for me and the step I wanted to make,” said Balogun.
Questioned by Get French Football News’ Luke Entwistle, on Henry’s role in his transfer, Balogun responded: “When I played against Monaco with Stade de Reims last season, he sent me a message to congratulate me on my goal. I asked him a bit about Monaco because it’s a beautiful place.“
“I obviously knew that he’d played there and he told me a bit about the club. It was a brief chat, and then when I came into training today, after yesterday’s announcement, he congratulated me and he’s happy that I’m here. It’s a good feeling to have support from him,” he added.
Balogun isn’t expected to start against RC Lens on Saturday, but he said he feels “good and ready to go.” Adi Hütter has said that he may be included in the matchday squad for the fixture.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
