‘I don’t know if anything will faze me’ – English-Nigerian Noni Madueke brushes off Arsenal critics after first goal

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke insists he is unfazed by criticism as he continues to shine under manager Mikel Arteta.

The 23-year-old scored in Wednesday night’s 3-1 win over Bayern Munich, a performance signaling Arsenal’s intent on the European stage.

Madueke, who was born in England to Nigerian parents, embraces his dual heritage and says it gives him added perspective on handling pressure both on and off the pitch.

His controversial £52 million move from Chelsea sparked debate, with some fans questioning his ability to succeed.

Yet Madueke has brushed aside detractors, focusing on performance and team objectives rather than personal scrutiny.

“To be honest, I just kind of take all that stuff in my stride. It is normal, you are in the public eye, people can say whatever they want about you but being in the stadium and how the fans have taken to me in the stadium, is unbelievable. I am not really worried about all of that. It is in the distant past,” he said.

In the match against Bayern, Madueke converted a precise assist from substitute Riccardo Calafiori, capping a dominant display as Arsenal sent a statement to Europe.

“For me, it is another game, honestly. The fixture is not about me. The fixture is about Arsenal getting another three points in the league and being closer to our objective,” he added.

Madueke emphasized his comfort under pressure, noting his experience in high-stakes atmospheres across club and international football.

“It might be a little bit hostile, it might not be, but I am a professional footballer. I have played in loads of atmospheres. I don’t know if anything will faze me, I will just be focused on the task ahead. That is the most important thing. It is about our team and trying to win the game. It’s as simple as that.”