Folarin Balogun has apologised for his latest goal for Monaco, with the USMNT star saying he “didn’t want to” score against Reims.
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Striker spent 2022-23 season out on loanCaught the eye in French footballEarned a big-money transfer from ArsenalWHAT HAPPENED?
The United States international enjoyed a productive loan spell at Reims last season, with the target found on 21 occasions for the Ligue 1 outfit. He returned to French football over the summer when completing a €30 million (£26m/$32m) transfer to Monaco from Arsenal.
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Balogun has missed two penalties for his new club – in the same game – but also has three goals to his name. The latest of those strikes came in a 3-1 win for Monaco away at Reims, with Balogun scoring the decisive second effort of the contest for his side.
WHAT THEY SAID
The 22-year-old striker opted not to celebrate out of respect for the club that helped to enhance his reputation to the point that he is now a senior international and a regular source of goals at club level. He has also posted on social media: “A special return for me. It was a difficult game against a top side! Sorry guys I didn’t want to.”
GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Balogun – with two goals recorded while earning four caps for his country – is about to head off on international duty, with the USMNT having friendly fixtures against Germany and Ghana to take in during the October break in domestic duties.