Yunus Musah is looking forward to an Arsenal reunion at the World Cup.
Speaking to reporters via conference call Thursday, the Valencia midfielder—who spent seven years in the Arsenal academy system—said that the U.S. men’s national team drawing England has special meaning to him.
“I enjoyed my time in London so much. Playing for Arsenal, playing for England, it was so fun. I have great friends from there that I’m still in contact with,” said Musah. “I call it my home as well, because that’s where my family lives….that place is very special to me.”
Given that Musah was in the England youth national team system from the Under-15 level all the way up to the Under-18s, it’s no shock that he hopes to come across some old teammates when the USMNT faces England in Group B.
“Being able to have the opportunity to hopefully play against (England) in November will be very special,” said Musah. “Playing against Bukayo Sako for example, and Emile Smith Rowe, I played with them in the academy a few times. To be playing at a World Cup, (what) a special moment that would be.”
Saka has, like Musah with the USMNT, carved out a regular role with England despite his young age, and both players have a distinct chance of starting at the Al Bayt Stadium on November 25. Smith Rowe, meanwhile, was left out of England’s Nations League squad in June, but has three caps, most recently playing for the Three Lions in a 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast in March.
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