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Former Arsenal star Folarin Balogun sensationally missed two penalties during a forgettable full debut for new club Monaco. The striker was making his first Ligue 1 start for the club and was keen to impress - but it did not go to plan.
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Balogun was a £35million signing for Monaco in the summer transfer window. His 22 goals on loan at Reims last term were enough for the Ligue 1 outfit to splash the cash, with the USA international keen to move on from Arsenal.
After two substitute appearances, including a goal in a cameo against Lorient, Monaco boss Philippe Clement handed Balogun his first start against Nice on Friday night. But things got off to a bad start when he missed an early spot-kick.
Balogun saw a tame effort parried away by goalkeeper Marcin Bulka 11 minutes into the game. The attacker was crowded out before he was able to convert the rebound.
Monaco were then awarded a second penalty 10 minutes into the second half. Keen to make up for his earlier error, Balogun confidently nominated himself to take the kick, but he was once again denied by Bulka.
Folarin Balogun saw two penalties saved by Marcin Bulka (Image: Getty)
It was a full debut to forget for the 22-year-old. He was substituted in the 67th minute and Monaco went on to lose 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute strike by former Chelsea youngster Jeremie Boga.
Balogun will certainly have better evenings in a Monaco shirt. If he can replicate the form he showed with Reims last season, he will be a major success for his new club.
The former Middlesbrough loanee admitted he had mixed feelings about leaving Arsenal in the summer, despite ultimately deciding to leave in search of game time. He wrote a touching message to Gunners supporters when his transfer was confirmed in August.
"With a heavy heart, I say my goodbyes to my boyhood club,” he wrote on Instagram. “I was eight years old when I first came to Hale End and every academy player walks through the gates and dreams of making their debut for the first team. I was lucky enough to fulfil that dream.
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Folarin Balogun joined Monaco from Arsenal in the summer (Image: Getty)
"There are so many people in club who supported me and played a major role in my development on and off the pitch. My teammates, the coaches, the staff - thank you to all of you and I am grateful for the times we shared.
"It's time for a new challenge and one that I am excited for. Thank you Arsenal Football Club. It was an honour to wear the badge."
Balogun returned from his loan from Reims to find Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah blocking his path to regular game time. He also switched international allegiance from England to USA in the summer and has scored twice in four appearances for the USMNT.