Arsenal reject Nicklas Bendtner has finally opened up about his claim that he was going to be one of the best strikers in the world.
The Dane is not the first footballer to speak of their abilities a little prematurely, but he has been a figure of fun ever since making the comments as a young forward while still with the Gunners.
Now preparing to face Arsene Wenger’s side for his new club Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup, Bendtner has admitted he regrets ever speaking about the ambition.
“I pictured my career going in a different way, but it didn’t,” he told the Mirror.
“So I’m going to make the best out of the rest of my career and do the best I can. There are many goals I have set myself over the years. Many things I have said and been killed for.”
On that famous comment, he added:
“I actually don’t regret saying I want to be the best striker in the world, because that’s what everyone wants. It’s just that no one wants to say it.
“It has haunted me.
“I was very young and I might have said it too early, before I’d proved I was in that category – or could get in that category.
“But I’m here now and I want to reboot, and get back to just playing.”
To be fair, as a youngster, Bendtner had ability, and all that was left was for Wenger to get the best out of him. That never happened, and now, all he wants to do is play football at some level.
He won’t be celebrating if he scores against Arsenal on Tuesday night, but will be hoping he can play some part as Forest chase promotion this season – becoming the best striker in the Championship would at least be a start.
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