Mannone thanks Lupoli for Arsenal move

By Mo Khan

Being ‘in the right place at the right time’ is a phrase often coined to describe a striker with a knack for attracting the ball when well-placed in front of goal. But for Vito Mannone, it takes on a whole new meaning and reveals just how the Club first laid eyes him.

“It was maybe two years ago that I played against Arturo Lupoli in a game between Atalanta and Parma,” said the Italian youth international goalkeeper. “They were there for him [Lupoli] and they saw me as well. So after I spoke with Arsenal in December 2004 and I think I was lucky.”

A summer signing from Atalanta, Mannone, 17,  played in a number of pre-season friendlies for Arsene Wenger’s side shortly after his arrival. The tall teenager could not hide his delight at being at the north London club when Arsenal.com spoke to him this week.

“I think the Club is fantastic,” he beamed. “Because you can be professional and I think I can become a very good keeper here. I have to just keep going and to try to find my position within the Club.”

Mannone also spoke of the guiding influence of some of his more senior club-mates.

“I started [training with the first-team] in pre-season and it was fantastic to play against players like Henry, Bergkamp and Reyes,” he said. “They give me many pieces of advice during training and I just try to keep all the things they say [in mind].”

[ Thursday, February 16, 2006]