Arsenal’s Yaya Sanogo wants to follow in Thierry Henry’s footsteps

Yaya Sanogo has declared his desire to follow in the footsteps of Thierry Henry and write himself into Arsenal folklore.

The French striker has endured a difficult first season in north London since arriving at the club from Auxerre last summer.

Following in his footsteps and coming here was always a dream for me

Yaya Sanogo

Sanogo, 21, has been limited to just six Premier League appearances – all from the substitutes’ bench – after an injury-hit start to his Gunners career.

But the forward has described how the chance to follow in Henry’s footsteps at Emirates Stadium was one of the main draws behind his move to the Premier League side.

“[I chose to join] first of all because when you think Arsenal, you think Thierry Henry and I grew up watching him and he made me dream,” Sanogo told Arsenal’s website.

“He was incredible. We come from the same town, Les Ulis, in the outskirts of Paris, and he was always an example for me.

“Following in his footsteps and coming here was always a dream for me. More than a dream, it was an objective.”

Sanogo also spoke of his respect for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger after the Frenchman convinced him to move to the club last summer.

“I have so much respect for him,” he continued. “I will never forget the first time we met. It was last season in Paris. He told me that he wanted me to come here and that I would have the opportunity to play and show what I could do.

“It convinced me straight away and despite interest from a few other clubs, I only wanted to come here.”