As a player coming from a club like Arsenal, Chris Willock has received a lot of attention since joining Benfica earlier this summer.
The 19-year-old is getting a chance during the preseason tour along the first team, and maybe show manager Rui Vitória he deserves a place in the squad for the season.
After a couple of games in Portugal, Benfica headed to St George’s Park to continue their preparation, and are now taking part in the Emirates Cup, which will give Willock the chance to play against his old club, and maybe even against his brother Joe Willock, who’s still a Gunner.
The player spoke to the press ahead of Saturday’s match and dished out some praise to Arsene Wenger: “He’s a very good manager, from whom I learnt a lot in training. It will be nice to see him again.” (via O Jogo)
The Arsenal youth product was also asked if he’d celebrate a goal against his old club: “I don’t know, Arsenal will always be in my heart, I played there for 12 years and grew a lot.”
Regarding his move to Portugal, Willock: “I chose Benfica for being a top club like Arsenal. They’re at the same level, have great players and are similar.”
But he still doesn’t know if he’ll spend the season with the first team: “I’m not sure about it, I only think of impressing the manager and people. I’m very happy here.”
