Brian Okonkwo sat down with Arsenal.com for his first interview after signing a new professional contract with the club.
Goalkeeper Brian first appeared for Jack Wilshere’s under-18s team in the 2022/23 campaign. Last season, he made three appearances for the under-21s in Premier League 2 Division One, keeping a clean sheet in a 2-0 win away to Liverpool.
Speaking to Arsenal.com, Brian said: “It’s definitely a proud moment for me and my family. I’ve worked hard over the last few years to achieve this. It’s a step for me to keep pushing to new heights and get more successful moments like this in the future.
“It’s really satisfying. The club has trust in me, which is really important, helping me with my confidence. I’ve been here for nearly eight years so I’ve made a lot of relationships here and it’s one of the best clubs in the world.
“My parents have worked really hard and I’m really happy that it’s not in vain. My brother was also in the club and has pushed me forward, as well as the coaches.”
Brian has had multiple loan spells where he has developed different sides of the goalkeeping game at Hitchin Town, Leatherhead and Cheshunt.
“My loan spells were completely different to academy football,” he said. “They’ve made me a better person on and off the pitch.
“I see a long-term future here and I want to keep pushing forward and see more success but be patient at the same time.”
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