Albert Sambi Lokongo is confident he has made the right decision after moving from Arsenal to Crystal Palace in the last transfer window.
The Belgian midfielder had struggled at the Emirates when he played, which meant he saw only a few minutes on the pitch.
After the Gunners added Jorginho to their squad, they allowed him to move to Palace on loan for the rest of the season.
At Selhurst Park, he will work under former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira and both of them spoke before he made the decision.
While discussing the transfer, he reveals he and Vieira communicated and he is confident he will thrive playing across town at another London club.
Lokonga told the Crystal Palace website: ‘I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives.
‘He said to me ‘welcome’. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it.’
Just Arsenal Opinion
Sambi Lokonga really struggled at the Emirates and this move gives him a good chance to show what he can do.
Arsenal will be watching and hopes he matures enough to eliminate the mistakes in his game.
If he returns much better, he could get more playing chances at the Emirates next season.
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I hold out little hope for the massive improvement that is necessary in Lokonga for him ever to return to us and stay. To me he is way below par and shows nothing special in any capacity at all.
Silk purse and sows ear comes to mind.
Hoped he’d go somewhere where he’ll play regularly seemed to really struggle with that and his head seems to have gone this year (which is a worry but he’s young and perhaps realising he has to fight even at Palace for his place might offer perspective.)
Palace is a tough task and I presume he had slightly easier options on the table so commend him on that and if he can show some form there minimum is his value goes up. Hope he does well. Early doors he showed some raw talent but lost his confidence, Palace will show where he is at.
Silk purse and sows ear.
He can’t be that bad , think he has lost his confidence.
Would have hope he had chosen an easier opportunity, as Palace has lots of talents in that squad maybe Vieira personally has a lot to do with his decision.
But the loan should have been an eighteen months deal.
Wish him well in his development