Egypt midfielder Mohamed Elneny said on Monday he is proud to be an Arsenal player, adding that he is determined to show everyone that Egyptian players have what it takes to feature in the elite Premier League.
"Every player would be so proud to play for Arsenal, if they were Egyptian or not Egyptian," Elneny told Arsenal Player.
The Egyptian international ace joined the Gunners last week and was benched in his new side's goalless draw against Stoke City on Sunday. He has yet to make his debut.
"I am very keen to work hard in the Premier League - that’s for my own reputation and Egypt’s reputation, and to show everyone that Egyptian players are capable of playing very well in the Premier League," Elneny added.
The 23-year-old also highlighted the important role of his parents, who encouraged him to play football.
"My father is a football coach back home in Egypt in my town, Almahalah,” Elneny said.
"He has a big passion for football and he always made sure that I accompanied him at every match he had been to, and the training sessions as well.
"He always had the dream and loved to see me as a footballer.
"My parents played a big role in creating this passion in me towards football and they encouraged me to play football.
"It is really nice and important to have such encouraging parents, I am really grateful to them."
Elneny, a product of the youth academy of Cairo giants Ahly before moving to fellow Egyptian Premier League club Arab Contractors, joined Arsenal from Swiss side Basel for 6.5 million sterling pounds.
