18 March 2023 , 17:15
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On-loan Arsenal midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has thanked Patrick Vieira for ‘giving his smile back’ in what appears to be a shrouded dig at Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners icon was sacked by Crystal Palace on Friday with the Eagles failing to win a single Premier League game since the World Cup. The decision brought to an end Vieira’s 18-month spell at Selhurst Park after he replaced Roy Hodgson.
One of the former Nice boss’ final signings for Palace, Sambi Lokonga has become one of the first players to give his response to Vieira’s exit. He posted to his Instagram story with a picture of the pair.
The Belgian midfielder wrote: “Thank you for giving me back the smile during this short period of time. See you soon coach!”
Lokonga, 23, has made seven appearances for Palace since his January switch - five of those being starts. That was a huge contrast to his Arsenal opportunities this term.
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The former Anderlecht starlet had made just two league starts for the Gunners this term as opportunities dried up after a relatively promising debut campaign. Speaking at the time of Sambi Lokonga’s exit, Gunners boss Arteta revealed that a move to Palace would be ideal for the youngster to earn more game time.
Albert Sambi Lokonga was among Patrick Vieira's final signings at Crystal Palace (Getty Images)Were Crystal Palace right to sack Patrick Vieira? Share your thoughts in the comments below
“We’ve offloaded the squad with three players. Sambi needed time and games to develop the talent that he has and I think in Palace we’ve found the right club with the right coaching staff as well, so I believe that will work out,” the Spaniard said.
Meanwhile, Lokonga had revealed that the opportunity to play under Arsenal legend Vieira was a huge factor behind his decision to away on from Emirates Stadium.
“He had a big influence [on my decision to join Palace] because he played for Arsenal and he knows the Premier League very well,” the Belgian said of Vieira.
“I think playing under him is a good step for me. I can learn a lot from him and from his aggression [on the pitch] that I miss sometimes in my game. The way he is close to the play, I think it’s helpful to progress.
“This kind of manager, like Vieira, they keep working, they’re always busy thinking about football, so the result is not a surprise I think they look to create freedom on the pitch and this is something you can see quickly. That’s the main thing about Arteta and Patrick Vieira.”
Lokonga will play under a third manager between now and the end of the campaign after Vieira was jettisoned. Former Palace boss Hodgson is among the frontrunners to be appointed at Selhurst Park whilst former Eagles defender Paddy McCarthy has been put in temporary charge and could claim the role long term.