ARSENAL striker Eddie Nketiah likes to celebrate every goal with a phone call.
There could be many calls on the cards for Eddie as Arsenal anticipate a ‘bidding war’ for their record breaking striker to transfer next season. But who is the striker and why does he mime a ‘phone call’ when he scores?
Who is Eddie Nketiah?
Edward Nketiah is an English professional footballer.
Born May 30, 1999, to Ghanaian parents Eddie grew up in Lewisham, South East London.
The young striker was scouted by Chelsea FC at the age of nine while playing for Hillyfielders, a south-east London Sunday team.
Eddie joined the Arsenal Academy in 2016 after leaving Chelsea the previous year.
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On September 28, 2017, Eddie was called up to the first team for Arsenal’s UEFA Europa League match against BATE Borisov.
In January 2019 he was set for a loan move to Bundesliga club FC Augsburg transfer window, but due to an injury to Danny Welbeck, Eddie stayed at Arsenal.
In January 2019, he reportedly turned down a call up from the Ghana national team, with Eddie favouring the choice to play for the England squad.
He went on to captain the England under-21s for the first time in September 2020, scoring a memorable hat-trick during a 6–0 victory over Kosovo that year and again in 2023 with Arsenal in a 5-0 win over Sheffield United.
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Why does Eddie Nketiah mime a ‘phone call’ when he scores a goal?
Some players like Jude Bellingham use hand gestures to join in with the crowds excitement, while others perform somersaults. For Eddie it’s his signature ‘phone call.’
Eddie’s goal celebration sees him mime making a call after he accurately connects the call with the back of the net.
The Gunner striker first performed the routine after scoring in the Gunners’ 3-2 defeat of Everton in February 2020.
Revealing the meaning behind his goal jubilation Eddie told Arsenal:
“It’s just a little phone call! In pre-season Arsenal Media came up with a little thing ‘call me if you need a goal’ so I have kind of just stuck with it.
“A lot of my friends like it so they are eager for me to dial them up if I get on the scoresheet so I try to enjoy each goal, whether that is youth level, in the park, anywhere I always try to celebrate and enjoy it and it is always a blessing to score.”
How many goals has Eddie Nketiah scored for Arsenal?
The Arsenal academy graduate has scored a total of 46 goals for his team since his football career began with the youth squad in 2016.
The hat trick hero broke Alan Shearer’s goal scoring record of 13 for the under-21s in 2017 – finishing with 16 goals from 17 appearances at that level.
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In January 2023, Eddie was belatedly recognised for his achievement in becoming England U21s’ record goal scorer and was presented a commemorative golden boot.
The 25-year-old played 27 games for Arsenal last season with five goals and two assists. However, this could be his last season with Arsenal as other premiere league rivals bid to Arsenal for a potential transfer next season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
