‘Didn’t want to!’ - USMNT star Folarin Balogun apologises for goal after netting for Monaco against former loan employers Reims

The United States international enjoyed a productive loan spell at Reims last season, with the target found on 21 occasions for the Ligue 1 outfit. He returned to French football over the summer when completing a €30 million (£26m/$32m) transfer to Monaco from Arsenal.

Balogun has missed two penalties for his new club – in the same game – but also has three goals to his name. The latest of those strikes came in a 3-1 win for Monaco away at Reims, with Balogun scoring the decisive second effort of the contest for his side.

The 22-year-old striker opted not to celebrate out of respect for the club that helped to enhance his reputation to the point that he is now a senior international and a regular source of goals at club level. He has also posted on social media: “A special return for me. It was a difficult game against a top side! Sorry guys I didn’t want to.”

Balogun – with two goals recorded while earning four caps for his country - is about to head off on international duty, with the USMNT having friendly fixtures against Germany and Ghana to take in during the October break in domestic duties.