Balogun reveals Henry advice that has changed his career

Robin Bairner

• 22 Mar 2023 09:50 GMT
• 4 min read

Folarin Balogun has revealed that he has been getting advice from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry as the Gunners loan star continues to tear up Ligue 1 with Reims.

Balogun moved to France’s top flight in August to join a club that was expected to battle against relegation, but fuelled by the goals of the Hale End graduate and the management of Will Still, the Champagne outfit went on a 19-match undefeated run that was stopped only by Marseille prior to the international break.

Balogun, meanwhile, is joint third in the Ligue 1 scoring charts with France internationals Wissam Ben Yedder and Alexandre Lacazette on 17 goals, with only Kylian Mbappe and Jonathan David on 19 out in front.

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The 21-year-old has revealed he has been getting tips from Gunners record scorer Henry, who he has struck up a relationship since moving across the Channel.

“I saw him a few times at the Emirates when I was at Arsenal but it was just passing conversations,” Balogun told The Athletic. “The first time I spoke to him in depth was against PSG. Funnily enough, he messaged me words of encouragement before the Monaco game, I scored the winner and then we messaged after the game.

“It’s nice to get to know him on a more personal level. I’m asking him questions and he’s helping me. It’s nothing seriously in-depth. It’s more akin to conversations between somebody who’s seen the heights of the game and taken steps in his career that I’m now taking in terms of playing in England and playing abroad. It’s light-hearted but allows me to take some good advice from him.”

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Henry’s advice to Balogun

Balogun, who has scored seven times in nine league matches since striking up his relationship with Henry, has revealed one aspect of the France legend’s game he now seeks to replicate.

“From what I’ve gathered about Thierry’s character, he takes a lot of accountability for what happened in his life. It’s the same advice he gives to me. He says you’re here for a reason and it’s up to you. Whether you grab the opportunity or not is another question but you have to prove why you’re here,” he said.

“He’s big on accountability and that has definitely helped me this season. There have been moments where I’ve taken accountability and gotten the only goals in some games. It’s just about being a leader and a focal point throughout my career.”

While there has been transfer speculation linking Balogun with a summer move away from Arsenal, FootballTransfers has exclusively revealed that it is Mikel Arteta’s intention to keep him at the club next season.