Bournemouth’s Afobe determined to get one over former club

Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe has insisted emotions won’t affect him in the build up to Sunday’s clash with his former club Arsenal.

The English born Congolese forward joined his boyhood side when he was six and graduated through the academy and after numerous loan spells left for Wolves in January 2015.

He was signed on a four and a half year contract by Bournemouth a year later and returns to the Emirates this weekend.

And while the 23-year-old admitted the match will always stir up memories, he’ll remain fully focused on getting three points for his new side come kick-off.

“A lot goes through your mind. You think about your childhood, where you grew up, supporting the team and coming through the youth systems,” he said.

“At the end of the day though we all move on, and we have a job to do.

January 2009: Carl Jenkinson, Benik Afobe, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Emmanuel Frimpong of Arsenal before the U21 League Cup match between Fulham and Arsenal (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“I love my time here, I loved my time at Arsenal but now I’m looking forward to being a success with Bournemouth, and I’m looking forward to the challenge of facing them.”

Despite the prospect of coming up against many familiar faces, Afobe remains unfazed by the occasion.

“To be honest I’m used to it, I always play against my friends,” he explained.

“I’ve played with English youth systems and you play against team mates and friends and it’s enjoyable, you can talk about it afterwards.

“Leading up to the games though you’re rivals and you just want to do the best you can for your team.”