I’m leaving Arsenal but have set up new club I want to get to Premier League

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny is fully focused on his next venture after forming his new club, Elneny FC.

The 31-year-old will leave the north London club at the end of this month when his contract expires. He racked up a total of 161 appearances after signing for Arsene Wenger in 2016.

After announcing back in October the launch of Elneny FC, he explained that it is designed to give a second chance to players released by their previous professional clubs. Earlier this year, trials were held for both the first and reserve team and an academy was also formed for young prospects.

The midfielder now plans to play a series of friendly games this year before the club enters the football league pyramid. When quizzed about his ambitious plans, Elneny told the BBC: “I have told so many people and they are just laughing at me because when I say I want to play in the Premier League one day.

“Some people just don’t get the idea but for me, I love to dream, that is why I need good people around me. I think the players we sign will be excited and then I am going put the idea every time when we train them, that we want to be in the Premier League one day.”

LIVE: Arsenal news and transfers: LIVE!

READ MORE: Hato signs, Zinchenko sold, Bijlow arrives – Dream Arsenal defence and goalkeeper after double transfer

The club is based in Hertfordshire, and will start in a regional league. Elneny is determined to take the side to England’s elite within two decades.

“Of course, it could take 15 years, 20 years but we have the target where we want to be,” he added. “I love to dream.

“What am I going to lose? I’m going to work every day about this at Elneny FC.”

The Egyptian was Arsenal’s longest serving player under Mikel Arteta. He revealed in an emotional video message last month that this season would be his last, waving goodbye on the final day after the home win over Everton.