NONI NOW MAD ABOUT THE FANS

Emirates welcome inspiring Madueke

- BY RYAN TAYLOR

NONI MADUEKE insists the fan petition against his Arsenal transfer is now a distant memory-because the love he is now receiving from supporters is spurring him on.

The England international, who made his long-awaited return from a knee injury against Tottenham last Sunday, scored his first Gunners goal in Wednesday night's 3-1 Champions League victory over Bayern Munich.

Madueke admits he had to display thick skin when he first made the controversial £52million switch across London from Chelsea but now he is reaping the rewards of his brave new venture.

He said on the initial discourse surrounding his arrival: "To be honest, I just kind of take all that stuff in my stride.

"It is normal, you are in the public eye, people can say whatever they want about you but being in the stadium and how the fans have taken to me in the stadium, is unbelievable.