Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has joined the Gunners’ Russian Premier League namesake, Arsenal Tula on a 2-year deal. The 24-year-old was given a trial at MLS club Sporting KC last month and was picked up by the Russian outfit soon after.
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Frimpong had an extremely bright future ahead of him when he arrived at England. The midfielder who was born in Kumasi and initially moved to Arsenal’s rivals Spurs before being discovered by Arsenal and enrolled at the Hale End academy.
A product of the Arsenal academy, Frimpong made his Premier League debut against Newcastle at the age of 19. A hard-tackling defensive midfielder, the Ghanaian was popular among Arsenal fans. Many fans touted him to be the next Patrick Vieira, but he managed just 16 appearances in over 2 seasons, never really making his mark on the first team. After loan spells at Charlton, Wolves, and Fulham, he was sent to Barnsley in 2014 where he was released after just 4 months.
He then moved to Russia in the hopes of reviving a floundering career. The Ghanaian was picked up by Russian Premier League outfit Ufa and made 8 appearances last season in which he was sent off twice. After a spate of injuries, Frimpong was released by the club in 2016. Arsenal Tula, who were recently promoted back into the division decided to take a chance on the 24-year-old and offered him a 2-year deal. The Russian club have 3 points from 2 matches in the current campaign.
Frimpong who remains a loyal Arsenal supporter has developed a rather large social media presence. He has also constantly expressed his frustration at the Gunners’ inability to attract top name football players.
Frimpong who earlier confirmed his move on Twitter hopes to have a good season in Russia. "I hope we can have a fantastic season and I can repay (your) debt."
