Bournemouth's Benik Afobe focused on Arsenal after international confusion
Friday 25 November 2016 11:43, UK
Bournemouth striker Benik Afobe has shrugged off the confusion over his international registration as he prepares to face Arsenal on Sunday.
The 23-year-old was born in Leyton and has represented England at U16 to U21 level, but qualifies to play for the Democratic Republic of Congo through his parents.
As a result he was set to feature in a World Cup Qualifier against Guinea earlier this month and flew out to Africa for the game.
However, he did not play amid reports that the English Football Association had sent his paperwork to the neighbouring Republic of Congo instead.
The FA insists this was not true, though, and says Afobe has been misinformed as it was contacted by the Democratic Republic of Congo and replied sending all the correct documents to them.
Despite his aborted trip, Afobe is now refocusing on his career with the Cherries.
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"I am back at the club now and I am just looking forward to playing the next few games with my club here," he told Sky Sports News HQ.
"Everyone at England has been great to me. I am English, I was born in England, but at the same time I really feel Congolese. My mum and dad taught me the language from the age of two or three.
"I have got a good connection there as well and it was a tough decision [switching allegiance] that I had to think about for about a year and I think I have made the right decision."
Afobe spent 15 years with Arsenal and is now keen to face his former club in Sunday's Sky Live game at the Emirates.
His eight Premier League appearances this season have all come from the substitutes' bench and he is yet to score this term, but he feels he is now ready to make his mark against the Gunners.
"It's a team game and the manager knows what he is doing," said Afobe. "He spoke to me and I've been training well recently and I feel much happier than I was at the beginning of the season.
"I feel like I am working hard and I am enjoying my football again. I have got that smile back on my face and hopefully I can get a goal soon."
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