A #NoToMadueke petition was launched by Gunners fans prior to the England international's £48.5 million arrival from Chelsea in July but the winger says that the criticism is now "in the distant past".

Madueke - who scored his first goal for Arsenal in Wednesday's (26.11.25) 3-1 Champions League win over Bayern Munich - said: "You are in the public eye - people can say whatever they want about you.

"But being in the stadium, and how the fans have taken to me in the stadium, is unbelievable."

Madueke returned from injury in Arsenal's north London derby win against Tottenham last weekend after nine weeks on the sidelines and praised the support he received at Emirates Stadium.

He said: "The last game versus Tottenham was incredible and that gives me such a boost.

"I play on the side of the pitch. I can feel them; I can hear them. When they are that positive about me it gives me a massive boost. Honestly, I am made up about it."

Madueke will return to his former club when Arsenal travel to Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday (30.11.25) but claims that his only focus is on maintaining his current side's lead at the top of the table.

He said: "It might be a little bit hostile; it might not be. But I am a professional footballer.

"I have played in loads of atmospheres. I don't know if anything will faze me. I will just be focused on the task.

"The fixture is not about me. The fixture is about Arsenal getting another three points in the league and being closer to the objective."