Serge Gnabry‘s return to the Emirates Stadium won’t be just another Champions League away match. It’s a homecoming for the Bayern Munich winger, a place where his professional journey began under the bright lights of the Premier League with Arsenal. Now, as he prepares to face his former club in a knockout stage clash, Gnabry reflects on his past, acknowledges Arsenal’s resurgence, and sets his sights firmly on securing a win for his current team.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” Gnabry admits, enthusiasm bubbling beneath his focused demeanour. “During the draw, I said it was bound to happen. I’m extremely happy to be going there again after almost eight years.”
His time at Arsenal was a whirlwind of growth and opportunity. Gnabry, a teenage prodigy from Germany, left his comfort zone to join the Premier League giants. He recalls the impact that move had on him, both personally and professionally. “That time had a huge impact on me, he said of the challenges and rewards of relocating to London as a young player. “Daring to leave my familiar surroundings at 16 was a huge step, both on a personal and footballing level. Playing for a club like Arsenal was a great privilege at the time. Of course there were ups and downs, but I enjoyed my time there and got to know a lot of fantastic people. In the end, it was the right decision.”
While it wasn’t always smooth sailing, he looks back fondly on his time with the Gunners, remembering the invaluable experience gained while playing alongside seasoned professionals like Mikel Arteta, now Arsenal‘s head coach.
“He’s now fully absorbed in his role as coach and thinks very strategical,” Gnabry said. “In my time, he was already an experienced player. He was the captain, a leader who spoke to everyone and communicated a lot. He was very helpful to us as young players back then. He built us up, always gave us good tips, always tried to guide us so that we stayed focused and gave everything.”
Years later, Gnabry faces a revitalised Arsenal side. They’re no longer the team he left behind; they’re serious contenders, currently leading the Premier League title race. He speaks of their strengths with respect, noting their clinical finishing and possession-based style. But he isn’t in awe of his former side – Gnabry believes they’re beatable.
“Arsenal have been on a very good run since Christmas,” Gnabry said. “In any case, you can’t really say anything bad about a team that’s competing for the Premier League title. They’re strong, good finishers and are keen on having possession. They’re formidable in their own stadium with their fans behind them. It will be a difficult task, with two strong teams coming up against each other.
“Arsenal have had what it takes to play at the top again for a long time. The team has a certain flair and exudes strength. The odds are probably 50-50.”
The London connection adds a layer of intrigue to Gnabry’s Champions League campaign. He’s scored a remarkable six of his Champions League goals in London stadiums, a testament to his knack for performing on English soil. Yet, he downplays past successes, choosing to focus on the challenge at hand. “You tend to think less about statistics like that. I try to concentrate on the game and my performance. Of course, it’s somewhere in the back of my mind and there’s a positive feeling, but ultimately every game has to be played from scratch.”
While sentimentality might linger for Gnabry, his loyalty lies squarely with Bayern Munich. The prospect of reaching the Champions League semi-finals, a feat Bayern hasn’t achieved since their treble-winning season, drives him forward.
