Talking all things Football — Charles Sagoe Jr
Charles is one of the many Hale End Academy products that are quickly rising through the ranks at Arsenal. We have seen the likes of Reiss Nelson, Emile Smith Rowe, Jack Wilshere and “Starboy” Bukayo Saka also come through Hale End which illustrates the calibre of players the academy is continuing to produce. Trust us when we say that Charles is another extremely talented Hale End product who is making a name for himself. We’ve had a catch up with Charles on his career thus far.
Question: Charles, thank you very much for making time in your busy schedule. How are you enjoying life at the moment, especially since signing your professional contract with Arsenal FC ?
Charles Sagoe Jr: “A Life of being a professional footballer for Arsenal Fc is an honour and it comes with great responsibility, coming into training everyday is truly a blessing and I’m doing something I enjoy and love. 21s football is different to 18s but I’m getting to the grips of things I’m trying my best to be very consistent with my performances at a high level and also picking up goals and assists too, so as of right now it’s going really well I’m enjoying my life as a professional footballer right now.”
Question: You’ve spent quite a bit of time with the first team… And recently traveled with the team to Sporting Lisbon away in the Europa League. How was that experience for you ? and has it motivated you even more ? How does it feel being that close to your goal?
Charles Sagoe Jr: “I’m honestly blessed and grateful for the opportunity Arsenal gave me for being on the bench Vs Sporting Lisbon in the Europa league. it’s an experience I’ll never truly forget seeing my name and number on my shirt truly made me have a smile on my face, it’s every boys little dream to be a part of any first team game so I was truly honored being on the bench even though I didn’t come on it’s still a moment in my career. I’ll never forget. It has motivated me even more to work hard and apply myself in everything I do to the best of my ability. I wouldn’t say that I’m close to my goal but I’m getting there I still have a long way to go and there is still things I need to improve to take my game to the next level and that takes time and patience, but I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me and hopefully I have many more in the future by Gods grace and guidance!”
Question: After signing your professional contract with Arsenal, you said that “ I am excited to be a part of it” in relation to the project that Arsenal are currently building — What have you loved the most about being coached By Arteta thus far ?
Charles Sagoe Jnr: “I’m really excited being a part of the Project Arteta is creating at Arsenal, I’m loving the fluent football and playing style Arsenal are doing to dominate the premier league. From a training perspective he always wants a 100% application and 100% effort in every drill we do, also when you lose the ball he wants you to show a positive reaction and counter press with energy to win the ball back and also managing regains when we win the ball back, those are the basics we need to do at a high level.”
Question: How would you describe yourself as an attacker and what do you most enjoy on the pitch?
Charles Sagoe Jr:”I would say that I’m a fast electric winger who always wants to go for his man in a 1v1 scenario, I would say I’m comfortable playing off both feet, and also my tight ball control really helps me get out of tight situations, and also my different ranges of finishing are At a good level also! I enjoy 1v1s me against my opponent and going for him either beating him with a step over or touching it round him etc, I love those situations because I can express myself.”
Question: Did you have any role models when you were growing up and is there any player you’ve tried to model your game around?
Charles Sagoe Jnr:”The player that made me fall in love with game at a young age was Neymar Jr, I always watch him live on the TV when I get the opportunity to, and also watch his highlight reels on YouTube too, I love the way he is never afraid of trying things, he always has a smile on his face when he has the ball and expresses himself whenever he has the ball. The player I base my game off is Ousmane Dembele, the way he manipulates the ball with both of his feet is a joke and I try implement that into my game because I’m comfortable using both my left and right just like him, his ability to beat his man 1v1 to get space for a cross or shot is unbelievable and I try base my game off that, and also his blistering pace to breeze past defenders is a joke and I want my physical attributes to be at his level when I’m older.”
Question: Which retired footballer you’d have loved to play with?
Charles Sagoe Jnr: “Either Deigo Maradona, Pele or Garrincha”
Question: What’s your favourite shirt number and why?
Charles Sagoe Jnr: “Number 7 is my favorite I dont know why, I just love the number 7 and also 24 because that’s the date of my birthday.”
Question: One piece of advice you’d give to anyone trying to emulate you and become a professional?
Charles Sagoe Jnr: “Be patient and wait for your opportunity to come, because it will come it’s only a matter of timing, and also staying persistent and always strive to be better in everything you do and apply yourself at a 100% all the time!”
Question: Last question, and it’s a cliche but I have to ask, Messi or Ronaldo ?
Charles Sagoe Jnr: “It’s always Messi or Ronaldo, but tbh with you Tobi, I’m a Neymar fan so I’m picking Neymar over both of them. I know it’s controversial but I love that guys playing style so it’s Neymar for me.”
Thanks for reading ! Hopefully we can bring you a lot more interviews with future stars soon !
If you want to hear more from Charles about his experiences at Hale End, Below is an interview he did with Reiss Nelson for the Arsenal YouTube channel !
