'I knew I would only need three weeks'

Mohamed Elneny knew he only needed three weeks to adapt to the physicality of English football.

The Egypt midfielder signed for Arsenal from Basel in mid-January and made his debut at the end of the month, helping the Gunners beat Burnley 2-1 in the FA Cup.

Elneny has become a key part of the Gunners' midfield, breaking the record for most passes in a Premier League game this season, and the 23-year-old says it did not take long to acclimatise to his new surroundings.

“I was [able to settle] because God helped give me the strength to adapt to my situation,” he told Arsenal Player. “I know it is not easy but God gave me the strength to adapt quickly.

“Some said I would find it hard to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League but I thought otherwise. I even told my agent to give me three weeks to show him how well I could adapt. I know I can adapt to all kinds of people and every league I play in.

“The Premier League is the best and strongest league in the world because there are so many surprising results. It is difficult to compare it to the Swiss and Egyptian leagues because everyone knows that the Premier League is the best.

“It is amazing. Everything is wonderful, from the fans to the style of play. I enjoy playing for Arsenal so much. It’s a different kind of football, it’s faster and first class.”