Joe WILLOCK
Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock hailed Jadon Sancho’s powerful Borussia Dortmund goodbye with the wideman confirmed as a Manchester United player. Despite the deal having been announced in principle a few weeks ago, it wasn’t until Friday afternoon that Sancho was officially unveiled as a Red Devil. The move to Old Trafford brings to an end a hugely successful four-year spell with Dortmund in which the former Manchester City youngster established himself as one of the most productive widemen in world football. Upon confirmation of the 21-year-old’s reported £73million switch to Manchester United, Sancho released an emotional video thanking Dortmund for their valuable part in his development thus far on Instagram.
Jadon Sancho said: “To the club, you made a young kid dream. You made me who I am today, I was able to gain experience as quickly as possible at such a young age and was also able to achieve historic milestones. This club gave me a chance to play in the Champions League, every kids dream. This club also gave me the profile to represent my country. I owe a lot to this amazing club. Dortmund will always be a part of me and I will always miss, love and be grateful to the club, the team and especially the supporters who supported me through thick and thin. I hope you can respect my decision. The most beautiful part of friendship is to understand and be understood.”
Arsenal man Willock, having seen the post, gave his reaction to Sancho with a short but sweet “powerful brother” accompanied by a heart emoji. It remains to be seen if the 21-year-old Gunner could potentially be following suit in the near future with his own move being confirmed. The midfielder is being eyed by Premier League rivals Newcastle United having enjoyed a successful loan spell at St James’ Park last season. He scored eight goals in just 14 Premier League games for the Magpies, with Steve Bruce reportedly keen on taking him back to the club. A move has not yet been agreed and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that Willock could have a part to play for Arsenal ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
Mikel Arteta said: “Joe is part of our plans, he’s our player and in the time that he is here we will try to make the most out of him. He had a great experience on loan. He was, I think one of the most important players for their survival.”
