Arsenal academy product Chris Willock is unsure whether he will celebrate if he scores for Benfica against his former club this afternoon.
The highly-rated winger was at the centre of a bidding war this summer after allowing his contract at Arsenal to expire, with Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Celtic also trying to secure his future.
Willock, 19, came through the ranks at Hale End along with brothers Matty, now at Manchester United and Joe, against whom he could find himself playing when Arsenal take on Benfica in the Emirates Cup this afternoon.
Though Willock grew frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities in his final season at Arsenal the Gunners remain in his heart and he does not know how he would react if he scores against them.
“Wenger’s a very good manager, from whom I learnt a lot in training,” Willock said. “It will be nice to see him again.
“I don’t know [if I would celebrate scoring against them]. Arsenal will always be in my heart. I played there for 12 years and grew a lot.”
Though Willock is unlikely to earn an immediate starting spot with the Portuguese champions his move was predicated on the hope of a more consistent run of first-team football.
Whether that starts on loan at another club, in Benfica’s youth setup or in the first team Willock seems convinced he has made the right choice.
“I’m really excited to get on the pitch, that’s all I’m thinking about now,” he added. “Just playing football.
“Arsenal’s a top club and Benfica’s on the same level. There’s some top players here and it’s very similar.
“Every young player wants to be a star. Hopefully I can.”
