Madueke Fires Back at Arsenal Fans, Unfazed by Stamford Bridge Showdown
27 November 2025
Madueke responds to backlash and a looming Chelsea test
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke says he isn’t really worried about the criticism from some Arsenal supporters regarding his summer move to the Gunners from Chelsea last year for 48.5 million pounds.
A petition under the hashtag #NoToMadueke drew more than 4,000 signatures protesting the deal signed in July. Yet the 23-year-old insists the noise has faded after he scored his first Arsenal goal in a 3-1 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday, in the fifth matchday of the group stage.
Madueke had appeared twice in Europe for Arsenal with one goal, while featuring six times in the Premier League without finding the net.
Speaking to BBC, he added: "You’re under the eyes of the crowd, and people can say what they want about you... but being on the pitch, and how the fans embrace me, is incredible."
Suspension and return
Earlier, the winger had missed six of Arsenal’s twelve league games after suffering a knee injury in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City in September. He returned in the North London derby last weekend, coming on as a substitute in the 78th minute of the 4-1 victory over Tottenham in the Premier League.
He praised the supporters: "Last match against Tottenham was amazing and gives me a big lift... I can hear them, and when they’re positive toward me, it’s a huge motivation. I’m very happy with that support."
Looking ahead, Arsenal – the Premier League leaders – travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea, who sit second and are six points behind. Madueke offered little fear about facing his former team, saying the match is about Arsenal collecting three points and closing the gap to their target.
On facing Chelsea, he said: "The atmosphere can be a bit hostile at times, but I’m a professional, I’ve played in many different environments... I’ll focus only on the task at hand and helping Arsenal win the game. The match isn’t about me; it’s about three points and moving closer to our goal."
