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Arsenal and Tottenham target Jeremy Balmy: I aspire to be like Lionel Messi and Robin van Persie
The young forward would like to emulate the star duo in his playing career, but despite mounting interest in his services, his priority is to stay in France
Dec 16, 2011 12:16:00 PM
By Hocine Harzoune
Panoramic
Le Havre starlet Jeremy Balmy has revealed that his two footballing idols are Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Arsenal's Robin van Persie.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com on Friday, the 17-year-old striker hinted Arsene Wenger's men may have stolen a march on their rivals after claiming that the Dutch striker is his ideal footballing marker.
"If I had to pick just one [player I'd aspire to be], it would be [Robin] van Persie or [Lionel]
Messi," he said. "I like the way they play."
Balmy went on to discuss his future, which has become a source of great speculation in recent times after reportedly garnering the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham and Valencia.
However, he affirmed his desire to develop his game further and use Ligue 1 as a stepping stone to future success before considering a move abroad.
"My parents are involved in it so I do not know, but yes, there were offers everywhere," he admitted. "For now, I'm just focusing on my game at Le Havre and my progress. I do not care about external stresses. I will first overcome Ligue 2, then move to Ligue 1 and then look abroad."
Balmy also spoke about a potential transfer to AC Milan in his early teens, but opted to remain with Le Havre, which he feels was the right decision in hindsight.
"I chose Le Havre for their policy of growth and training," he continued. "I heard about this offer from Milan by my parents, but I think I made the right choice for my game."
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Speaking exclusively to Goal.com on Friday, the 17-year-old striker hinted Arsene Wenger's men may have stolen a march on their rivals after claiming that the Dutch striker is his ideal footballing marker.
"If I had to pick just one [player I'd aspire to be], it would be [Robin] van Persie or [Lionel]
Messi," he said. "I like the way they play."
Balmy went on to discuss his future, which has become a source of great speculation in recent times after reportedly garnering the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham and Valencia.
However, he affirmed his desire to develop his game further and use Ligue 1 as a stepping stone to future success before considering a move abroad.
"My parents are involved in it so I do not know, but yes, there were offers everywhere," he admitted. "For now, I'm just focusing on my game at Le Havre and my progress. I do not care about external stresses. I will first overcome Ligue 2, then move to Ligue 1 and then look abroad."
Balmy also spoke about a potential transfer to AC Milan in his early teens, but opted to remain with Le Havre, which he feels was the right decision in hindsight.
"I chose Le Havre for their policy of growth and training," he continued. "I heard about this offer from Milan by my parents, but I think I made the right choice for my game."
Follow Goal.com on
to get the latest soccer news directly. Check out Goal.com's page; be part of the best soccer fan community in the world!
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