Emotional Renewal of Contract
Earlier this year, Mohamed Elneny received the news that he would be offered a new contract with Arsenal, a moment that moved him to tears. This heartfelt reaction was fueled by a challenging period in the midfielder’s career.
Elneny had suffered a serious knee injury, sidelining him for 260 days with the prognosis that he would not return until late September.
With his existing contract set to expire in June, the 31-year-old Egyptian player feared that his seven-year journey with the club was coming to an end.
Arsenal’s Unwavering Support
However, Arsenal had a different plan in mind. The club extended Elneny’s contract by one year, ensuring that he remains the longest-serving player in the squad.
Elneny expressed the profound impact of this decision, stating, “It was one of the happiest days in my life.”
He emphasized the depth of his love for the club and his unwavering desire to stay and complete his career at Arsenal.
Elneny FC: Building for the Future
Elneny’s connection with Arsenal runs deep, and he even considers north London his “home.”
This sense of belonging and his forward-looking perspective prompted him to establish his own football team in the capital—Elneny FC.
The team began as an under-10s side in which Elneny’s son played and he took on a coaching role.
The project expanded during the summer, encompassing more youth teams and setting sights on a senior team in the future.
Planning Ahead for Life Beyond Playing
Elneny recognizes the importance of planning for life beyond his playing career. He acknowledges the challenges that retired athletes often face and wants to ensure a seamless transition.
His coaching aspirations are underscored by his pursuit of coaching badges, including securing his UEFA B Licence.
Elneny is part of a growing number of Arsenal players who have been inspired to venture into coaching, a path influenced by their experiences under Mikel Arteta’s guidance.
Dreaming Big: Premier League Ambitions
Elneny is driven by ambition and dreams of achieving success in the Premier League.
He understands the skepticism surrounding such aspirations but remains undeterred.
He firmly believes in the power of dreaming big, citing his own journey from playing in Egypt to scoring for Arsenal against Barcelona at the Camp Nou in the Champions League.
For Elneny, dreaming big is the path to getting closer to one’s goals, and he embraces it wholeheartedly.
Continued Dedication and Aspirations
While Elneny is already planning for the future with Elneny FC and his coaching endeavors, he emphasizes that he still has several years of playing left in him.
He envisions finishing his career around the age of 36 or 37, allowing him to continue contributing on the field.
Elneny’s immediate goal is to earn a place in Arsenal’s starting XI this season, and he is determined to fight for it.
He acknowledges that returning from a lengthy injury is a challenge, but his commitment and unwavering spirit drive him to give his all for the club.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of the Title
Elneny’s renewed contract and aspirations for the Premier League align with Arsenal’s ongoing quest for success.
As he looks ahead and dreams big, he remains dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the current season, aiming to secure his place in the starting lineup and contribute to Arsenal’s ambitions on the field.