Arsenal will one day be coached by Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Elneny, according to the player's father.
Recently we have seen the latest generation of former professionals step onto the managerial stage, as Mikel Arteta is back at Arsenal as the head coach, with Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney all pursuing career's in the dugout. Even Jack Wilshere has hung up his boots aged 30, and will manage Arsenal's U18 side as he looks to evolve his career.
But Arteta could one day be succeeded by one of his current players, as Elneny's father has backed his son to thrive in the role when he retires. Elneny was heavily linked with leaving the Emirates this summer, but a new contract has ensured he won't be leaving the club anytime soon.
It's common that when footballers retire, there are two options on the table if they wish to stay within the game. Either a career in coaching beckons, or a job as a pundit on TV is another option if you're not camera shy.
Usually you can tell what a player is destined for while they are still actively playing, with the likes of Gerrard and Scott Parker natural leaders, while Micah Richards' personality was always going to see him entertain an audience. And Elneny's father can see his son as a coach, and has even backed him to lead Arsenal in the future.
In an interview with MBC Egypt, Elneny's father, Nasser Elneny, said: "I was sure that Elneny would continue with Arsenal, and I told him that, even though everyone in Egypt was saying that he would leave the team this summer. The Arsenal players love Elneny, he is loved among his colleagues in the dressing room, and the club’s management loves him, so I think he will coach Arsenal in the future."
Elneny then also referenced Mohamed Salah, as he beamed with pride that both Egyptian stars were thriving. "There must be studies on Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny, the first is the top scorer in the English Premier League, and the other is “fighting in the rocks” in front of the strongest teams there.
"I tell Elneny that I am proud of you, you made me hold my head, whether because of your performance with the Egyptian national team, or with Arsenal. I do not think that there is a player who was able to play in Arsenal for 8 seasons, and I say to Mohamed Salah that you are the best player in the world and the pride of Egypt."
Elneny is one of Arsenal's more senior players after arriving in 2016, with Arteta's current squad extremely youthful after multiple changes since Unai Emery left the club. Coincidentally, it was Arteta's exit from Arsenal that saw Arsene Wenger sign the Egyptian, as the current Gunners boss retired that summer.
After learning from one of the very best in Pep Guardiola, Arteta took on the Arsenal job in December 2019, and it's been far from an easy ride. Pressure has mounted on the Spaniard many times over the past three years, but he's managed to turn things around every time.
Elneny is only 30, and still has a long career ahead, with Arteta only retiring at the age of 34. And with the turnaround of managers in the Premier League as frequent as ever, it's safe to say that Arteta may not be in charge when Elneny would turn to coaching.
But it's something his father thinks he is destined for, especially as he is adored by Arsenal. For now, Elneny will be focusing on getting the club back to their best, after being rewarded with a new deal last season.
