Interview

The WhatsApp chat between Nelson, Sancho, Willock

Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson

Joe Willock couldn’t be any prouder of Reiss Nelson.

The duo came through our academy system together and Nelson was also the player who came off when Willock made his senior debut from the bench during last season’s Carabao Cup win over Doncaster Rovers.

 

And after Nelson was named Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Month for scoring three goals for Hoffenheim in October, Willock was quick to praise his good friend.

 

“Reiss is a very close friend of mine outside of football and every time he does well in a game, it feels like I’m there with him because we’ve been through so much together since we were young,” he told the official matchday programme.

 

“I’m so happy for him and hopefully when he comes back from loan, he can push on in Arsenal colours as well.

 

“Me, Reiss and Jason Sancho all have a WhatsApp group and a Snapchat group as well, so we’re talking to each other every day.

 

“I try to talk to him and motivate him, and he does the same with me. There’s loads of banter flowing around as well, but it’s important for us to push each other every day.”

 

Read an extended interview with Joe in Thursday night’s Europa League programme