Interview

‘I’ve loved this club ever since I was young'

Reiss Nelson could not be happier to have signed a new long-term deal with us.

The England youth international joined us when he was just nine years old and, after rising through our academy ranks, made his first-team debut in last season’s Community Shield win over Chelsea.

 

Nelson has since made 15 more senior appearances for us, and he is thrilled to have extended his stay in north London.

 

“I’m delighted,” he told Arsenal Player. “It’s been a long time coming now, so I’m just happy everything’s sorted out and I can sign a contract for a great club.

“It’s my boyhood club. From a young age, from about eight years old, I’ve been supporting the club. The likes of Thierry Henry have encouraged me as well, so ever since then I’ve just loved the club and really fallen in love with it.”

 

Nelson will now spend the remainder of the 2018/19 season on loan with Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, where he will be reunited with good friend and Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who has only had positive things to say about Germany’s top tier.

 

“He said that it’s very rough and very competitive, but he says that I’ll enjoy it,” Nelson said. “He said to just play my game and I’ll be fine.

 

“I’m very excited. They’ve got a great manager out there as well, so I just can’t wait to get on the pitch and do what I can do, and show everyone what I can do.”