Gower: "I'm excited for the future"

Academy midfielder Jimi Gower is eagerly anticipating his future with Arsenal after signing his first professional contract.

Our 18-year-old creative midfielder reflected on last season's FA Youth Cup run, how Jack Wilshere aided his development and what he'll be focusing on this season. 

Click play on the video above to hear what Jimi had to say.

Jimi, congratulations. This must be a very proud moment for you. 

It's a really proud moment for me and something I've been working towards for a long time, so I'm happy. I'm also excited for the future. 

What were some of the key factors that made you want to commit your future to The Arsenal? 

I think the club has progressed a lot over the last few years. Obviously, it was a good one last year with the first team and I just think it’s going in the right place, bringing young players through. So I think it's the right place for me to continue my career. 

For our supporters who might not have yet seen you in action, how would you describe your playing style? 

I'm a creative midfielder. I like to create chances and score the odd goal as well.

You played a key role in our charge to the FA Youth Cup Final last season. How was that cup run for you? 

Yeah, it's not something I've really experienced before. There were a lot of new experiences with new stadiums which was exciting. Experiences like that are why you play football - I really enjoyed it.

Last season we also saw you make your Premier League 2 debut. How important was that experience for your development? 

Yeah, especially being with under-21s, I think it was good to get a taste of what I'm going to be doing more this year. It's a different challenge. It's harder, but I enjoyed it.

And you've been with Jack Wilshere this season. And so how, how important has Jack and the rest of the coaching staff been to your development in recent seasons? 

Jack was really good to me last year and he brought out a lot of good sides in my game. I think he allowed me to express myself and I really enjoyed working with him last year. 

Now that you've committed your immediate future to us, what are some of the targets you've set yourself for the duration of this contract? 

Yeah, I'm looking to get myself in the U21s team next year, enjoy my football and play a lot of games. Hopefully, we can do well in the league and the competitions that we're in. 

And finally, you've told us about the role that your dad has played in your career so far. Is there anyone else that you'd like to thank for helping you get to this point? 

I've got loads of family that help me, but especially my two sisters and mum who've sacrificed a lot to get me to training all the time. They help me out whenever they can and it's just obviously helped me loads to progress and sign my contract today.