Paul-José M’Poku spent three years at Tottenham Hotspur between 2008 and 2011 and in his final season at Spurs, they loaned him out to Leyton Orient.
The 27-year-old is currently at Belgian side Standard Liège and has travelled to London to face Arsenal in the group stage of the Europa League on Thursday.
Even though he didn’t represent Tottenham during his time with them, he had the opportunity of playing at the Emirates when Leyton Orient lost 5-0 to Arsenal in the FA Cup.
Prior to the clash between the Jupiler Pro League club and Unai Emery’s side, the DR Congo international was asked what he thinks of the Gunners’ home stadium.
“What I remember about the Emirates Stadium? The decor and the field are impressive, the atmosphere is a lot less,” Het Laatste Nieuws quoted the winger as saying.
“It is not Sclessin [Standard’s home stadium]… Three thousand Standard fans are coming today, we will hear more [from them] than Arsenal’s [supporters].”
Though M’Poku was in London for only three years, he calls the English capital his “second home” and has spoken about his admiration for Tottenham.
“I go there whenever I can and I still have many friends there. I still have Tottenham’s home jersey. That club is in my heart,” he explained.
Standard and Arsenal won their first group stage fixture of the Europa League, and M’Poku is aware the clash against the Gunners will not be an easy one for his side.
“What should we watch out for? They go at ten thousand km/hour and miss only a few opportunities. But you dream of such matches…” the player concluded.
