Folarin Balogun says life in France is toughening him up and he is determined to show Mikel Arteta just how much for England’s U21s.
The Arsenal striker was told to go away and “become a man” by the Gunners’ manager at the end of last season. And despite several offers from Championship clubs decided to test himself by hooking up on loan with struggling Ligue 1 side Reims instead.
Balogun, 21, admitted life has been tough given he is living on his own and struggling with the language barrier with only three English speakers at the club. But a return of five goals and two assists in eight games shows that he is thriving under the pressure and Balogun insists he already feels he is maturing fast.
