Media 31 August 2023, 17:35

Folarin Balogun: "A natural decision to join AS Monaco"

Officially a Monegasque since Wednesday, the new Rouge et Blanc striker gave his introductory press conference alongside Thiago Scuro, Director of Football.

No rest for Folarin Balogun! After arriving Tuesday in the Principality he officially signed yesterday, and the new recruit in the team’s attack was already present at training Thursday morning, in order to get to know his new teammates, before being presented at a press conference this afternoon in front of the media, alongside the Director of Football, Thiago Scuro, àtwo days before the team’s big match against RC Lens (Saturday, 21:00). 🎙

Hello everyone. We are here today to introduce Folarin Balogun. I am very happy that he is here because he is a player that we have been following for a long time in order to bring him here. He has a very good mindset and is ambitious. I wish him good luck and welcome.

Thiago ScuroDirector of Football

His choice to join Monaco

When my agent told me about the opportunity to sign here, I did not hesitate and told him that I wanted to join AS Monaco since it is a great club, with a great history. Very great players have notably worn his colors. So it was a simple choice and I wanted it to happen very quickly, even if it is never easy to step out of your comfort zone. My loved ones support me a lot and I will do everything to make it the best possible choice.

The influence of Thierry Henry on his arrival

When I played against Monaco with Stade de Reims last season, he sent me a message to congratulate me on my goal. I was then able to ask him a few questions because I knew he had played here and he told me a lot of positive things about the Club. Yesterday, after signing, he congratulated me again, I am very happy to have his encouragement.

🗣️ Thierry Henry sur Folarin Balogun :

"Il n'a peur de personne, un attaquant à l'anglaise."#PrimeVideoLigue1 I #PSGSDR pic.twitter.com/Z099IjWw31

— Prime Video Sport France (@PVSportFR) January 29, 2023

His history with Arsenal

I have no regrets about not having been able to play a lot with my training club. Football is a sport made of competition and opportunity, the coach has made his choices. So I made the decision to continue to play at a high level and it was a natural decision to join Monaco. Being still young, I want to play and prove myself, while developing step by step. I wish the Gunners good luck this season.

I'm glad Folarin joined us. Wissam and him can play together but it will depend on several factors such as opponents, results or injuries. But his arrival gives me additional possibilities and having two players of this level in the squad is very positive.

Adi Hütter, on competition for places in attackManager, AS Monaco

Competition with Wissam Ben Yedder

This does not scare me since competition is part of the job. There was some at Arsenal and there will also be some here because Monaco is a big club. For me, Wissam is a legend and it will be a pleasure to play alongside him. The coach will then make his choices but I am very happy to play with him.

His goals

I want to continue my momentum from last season, to maintain the same standards and why not do better. Collectively, we want to finish as high as possible in the league, and I will be there to help with that. One thing is certain, we are a great team made up of great players.

His comfort level in Ligue 1

I liked Ligue 1 a lot last season. It is a league made up of several great teams. They play with a lot of intensity and that allowed me to progress. I also loved the atmosphere in some stadiums onn the road as well, I feel that the supporters are passionate. It is for all these reasons that I stayed in France.

He will bring extra pace to the team and I am very happy with this characteristic. He is also a good finisher like Wissam, having scored 21 goals last year. He is also capable of pressing as a lead defender. It brings us a lot of possibilities.

Adi Hütter, on what Folarin Balogun can bringManager, AS Monaco

The evolution in his play

It is true that there was a change between my time at Middlesbrough and at Reims. In England, I played behind the striker, while in France, I was in the position of number 9. It is a position that suits me more and where I have natural abilities.

Playing with the USMNT

Playing for the US will come naturally. It will be up to me to make the effort here in order to be called. For that, I will have to be as efficient as possible when I am on the pitch with AS Monaco.

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗕𝗢𝗬𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞!!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Gregg Berhalter selects 24-player roster ahead of September friendlies » https://t.co/9C2PXqEe17 #USMNT x @BioSteelSports pic.twitter.com/c4BqYXbN4F

— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) August 30, 2023