Sambi Lokonga speaks out on decision to leave Arsenal for Crystal Palace loan

Sambi Lokonga acknowledges that leaving Arsenal was “not easy,” but Patrick Vieira supported him in completing a deadline-day loan transfer to Crystal Palace.

After joining the Eagles on loan till the remainder of the season, the Belgian midfielder moved from north to south London.

The arrival of Jorginho at Arsenal moved the 23-year-old midfielder further down the pecking order at the Emirates, according to Palace chairman Steve Parish, who disclosed on Tuesday that the club had been following Lokonga for a number of years and were able to come to an agreement.

Lokonga admits he initially had second thoughts about leaving the club as Arsenal chases its first Premier League crown in 19 years, but he changed his mind after speaking with Vieira.

‘It was not easy [to leave Arsenal] because as you can see they are top of the league, but for me the important thing was the confidence of the coach,’ Lokonga told Palace’s website.

‘I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives.

‘He said to me ‘welcome’. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it.’

Lokonga played for Arsenal this season in 15 games, but he only got two starts in the Premier League.

On Saturday afternoon, Palace travels to Manchester United, where the midfielder is expected to make his professional debut.

‘I would like to gain some minutes – I want to go as far as possible with the team,’ he said. ‘I don’t want to say a number, but I will try to push me and the team to do the maximum to reach the top.

‘I don’t want to speak about ranking; I just think we need to take it game by game. Try to win each game and that is how we will do something great.

‘Today I have been a lot in the car moving from left to right, but I’m fully fit – I am ready to start if needed on Saturday in the game [against Manchester United].’