An Arsenal loanee striker taking France by storm has revealed he is getting advice from none other than Gunners legend Thierry Henry.
Folarin Balogun, who has more goals than PSG pair Lionel Messi and Neymar, has proved to be one of the surprise packages across Europe.
Folarin Balgoun is enjoying an outstanding season while on loan at ReimsCredit: Getty
Last season the forward scored hit the net just three times while out on loan at Championship Middlesborough.
But now in his debut season in Ligue 1 he has been outscored by just two players so far – one of which is Kylian Mbappe.
Balogun leads the frontline for Stade de Reims who made headlines around Europe for their incredible 19 game unbeaten run under rookie English boss Will Still.
The streak came to an end against Marseille on Sunday – but unstoppable Balogun scored again to make it 17 in this campaign with 10 games still to go.
He revealed that he had been receiving advice from a man who knows a thing or two about scoring goals.
The 21-year-old told the Athletic: “I saw [Henry] a few times at the Emirates when I was at Arsenal but it was just passing conversations.
“It’s nice to get to know him on a more personal level. I’m asking him questions and he’s helping me. So it’s a nice person to have in your phone.
Folarin Balogun and Thierry Henry before the Reims vs PSG match
“[He is] somebody who’s seen the heights of the game and has taken steps in his career than I’m now taking in terms of playing abroad. He knows the feeling and how uncomfortable it can be. So I’m asking more general questions about his career and how he felt at certain points.
“[Henry] takes a lot of accountability for what happened in his life. It’s the same advice he gives to me. He says: ‘You’re here for a reason and it’s up to you. Whether you grab the opportunity or not is another question. But you have to prove why you’re here.'”
Balogun copied one of Henry’s celebrations after meeting the star just before Reims’ game against PSG.
The star scored deep in stoppage time to rescue a draw in Paris.
Balogun is now just one goal away from equalling Glenn Hoddle’s record for most goals scored by an Englishman in a Ligue 1 season, with Hoddle netting 18 with Monaco in 1988-89.
