‘Dicey’ - Noni Madueke’s honest feelings on Arsenal fanbase since quitting Chelsea speaks volumes

There was a negative reaction on social media when Arsenal signed the winger, but he has spoken out on his experience at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal star Noni Madueke has said that he gets a ‘big boost’ from the Emirates Stadium crowd, despite a ‘dicey’ start with the fanbase following his move from Chelsea.

The winger was one of eight new arrivals at the club over the summer transfer window. He made the move from Stamford Bridge for a fee that could rise to £52 million with add-ons.

At the time, there was some scepticism from Arsenal fans over the transfer.

But Madueke silenced the doubters by impressing in the early part of the season, particularly standing out in the 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest back in September.

The England international has since missed the last 11 games in all competitions with a knee injury. It is, however, hoped that he could make his return for the clash against Tottenham after the current international break.

As Madueke prepares for that game, he has now opened up on his relationship with the Arsenal crowd. He has admitted that he was aware of the reaction to his move, but has spoken about the positive reaction at the Emirates Stadium.

"The team has been great. Of course we're flying. It's not just a team of great and talented players,” he told The Dispatch podcast. “It’s a team full of good people. And I think the culture around here is probably the best I’ve seen.

“And yeah, in terms of the supporters, it was a bit dicey at the start on social media and stuff before I came to the club. But when I’ve been in the stadium, I haven’t felt like the fans (have been criticising me).

“Obviously I play on the side down the pitch so I can hear them and they push me on throughout the game. Whenever I get the ball I hear them.

“God willing that continues because it gives me a big. big boost.

“I always love playing at the Emirates. I always look forward to the next game when I'm back there. The fans have been amazing and I really appreciate how they've handled everything."

Speaking earlier this season, Mikel Arteta outlined Madueke’s reaction to the scepticism on social media over his move.

"We were about to sign him and there was that reaction around him. I spoke to him and he was like, pzzzt, I go for it, I can't wait to put that shirt on and play for you guys.

"I said, well, let's bring him. If I was convinced before, I'm more convinced now that he's going to do it and yeah, I think he has such a power, such a capacity to repeat efforts.

"Because to be able to do that physically, you have to have a different specimen, I think. And he's certainly that. But he's very skilful, very unpredictable, so willing to learn and he brings joy.

"I look at him and he's always smiling, he's always trying things. He gets one wrong, he goes again. And that's what I love about the creative players, because you need that to be successful."