Mohamed Elneny Talks of Pride at Becoming First Egyptian to Play for Arsenal

Mohamed Elneny has given his first interview since joining Arsenal, and he expressed his pride at becoming the first Egyptian to play for the club.

"Every player would be so proud to play for Arsenal, if they were Egyptian or not Egyptian," he told Arsenal TV. "Being the first Egyptian player to play for Arsenal is a great honour and that makes me very happy."

Elneny follows compatriots including Mido and Mohamed Salah in moving to the Premier League, and he is determined to make his country proud.

"I am very keen to work hard in the Premier League—that's for my own reputation and Egypt's reputation," he said. "And to show that Egyptian players are capable of playing very well in the EPL."

The former Basel midfielder revealed how his father used to make him sleep with a football to "forge a connection," and thanked his parents for their role in his career.

"Since I was born my parents wanted to see me as a footballer, and they are behind this passion I have for football."

Elneny will hope to make his Arsenal debut when the Gunners take on Chelsea at the Emirates on Sunday.

[YouTube: ArsenalTVHD]