What do you think about young players in Arsenal, especially 15-year-old Daoman?
Enwanelli and Skelly, from last year to this year, have grown incredible. They dare to communicate with anyone now, their voices are loud and they show their true self, which is exactly what you want to see. You want people to feel comfortable here.
Of course, Daoman is only 15 years old and only turns 16 in December. I've never seen a 15-year-old who can play so freely in the first team, which is crazy. They are really just children.
On my way back after the preseason tour, I told Max that I could not imagine he would go back to school. He was wearing his school uniform when he called me a few days ago. I was like, ‘Brother, you just played in the Premier League a week ago, but now you are going back to the school gate. ’
Even when I was 15 years old, I walked into the locker room of West Ham United's first team, I would never be as confident as he is now. I would stay quietly in the corner at that time. I will never speak up unless someone talks to me. And now, I feel like Max, especially, is confident in his abilities and personality.
The support system here is incredible, and I also saw how the youth training academy works, which is amazing.
This interview is to support the Premier League’s “Suicide Prevention” campaign. Who would you talk to about mental health?
I will find the closest people around me. Whether it is my closest friend, mom, dad or girlfriend, they are the people you are closest to.
Even here (club), there are probably two or three teammates, and I think if I feel depressed, I can really go and talk to them.
For me, sometimes you may not notice it, but I feel that even anxiety is a very big problem for players in the football world. Anxiety, thinking about the competition, thinking about everything that is happening in the field.
Sometimes, some teammates may be happy the day before, but become taciturn the next day. I sometimes do this. I may feel very excited and uplifted, but there are days when I feel, either down, but just not that (excited). The key is to find that balance.
I feel that if I really feel very, very frustrated or have any similar emotions, I can definitely talk to the people I am closest to or two or three people here, which is a very positive aspect. As we know, not many people feel they can talk to anyone, so in a sense, I feel lucky.
As a highly-watched player, do you want to encourage others by talking about these topics openly?
This is of course my goal. Suicide is an extremely terrible thing, and I think the more people can talk about it, especially those with influence – I know a lot of people are already doing it, but if there are more people in the Premier League that can stand up, I think it will be a very positive signal.
It is very important to express your inner feelings. I know this is easier said than done, but even if you want to talk to me, or to anyone you feel close to, because those (negative) thoughts in your mind are so scary.
Talk about this topic is heavy and emotional, but I think the more people say it—although I know it’s easier to say, the better things will be. There will always be someone waiting for you. You can actually find someone to talk to.
I know the main idea in your mind is 'no one cares' or 'I can't tell anyone' but there is definitely someone there. No matter what the problem is, it will be taken seriously.