Francis Coquelin has finally shadowed himself to a new life in Spain. Playing for Valencia since 2018, the Frenchman and former Arsenal midfielder is buoyant with his decision of leaving London even after the glimpses of his tenure revolving over the horizon of his brain.
Talking in an interview, the individual who reached unattainable heights with Arsenal in their FA Cup of 2015 & 2017 said:
“Arsenal is always going to be in my DNA, I can’t deny it. It wasn’t just the football or the players, it was where I grew as a person and where I became a man. It will always be a big part of me and I’ll never forget it.”
“I had great moments at Arsenal, and every decision is difficult, but I had no regrets. Maybe I would if I hadn’t had the chances to play, but I got to show what I can do. I had the opportunity to join another massive club and it was the right time to leave my comfort zone. I never doubted my qualities and I think I’ve been able to show that here.”
The scratchy tenure of Coquelin that was characterised by enough and to spare loan spells also saw the defensive midfielder turn into a quality box-to-box midfielder for Valencia. He had seen a plethora of ups and downs in his career and talking about the same he says,
“In England, one day you can be up and the next you can be really low. When you play football that can always happen and you have to be prepared for it. You play one great game and you’re up here,” The next,” he says, “you can be at the bottom.”
The city of Valencia has only been rising for the Frenchman until now for which he thanks and appraises his “father figure” Arsene Wenger; the one to bring him in English football at such a young age of 17, develop him, recognise his potential and enhance the same.
The Frenchman was part and parcel of Wenger during his best days and also at the worse, even in the game of 8-2 loss against Manchester United, the only game those Red Devils keep bragging about.
Feeling for his coach who had to give up his two-decade long career on a low note, Coquelin says,
“It was a rough season for the boss, but we were always fighting for him.”
”The atmosphere was strange because half of the fans wanted him to go, the others wanted him to stay, but I can understand because they want results. It was difficult for him and I would have wanted him to have a better exit.”
“I’ll never forget what he gave me,” he continues. “He was massive for me those nine years and I will only ever speak highly of him. He brought me to England when I was 17. He gave me my first chance. I hope now he has retired from Arsenal everyone will remember what he’s done for the club.”
Playing alongside Ozil and Cazorla, definitely improved the way Francis shaped his way of play along with getting the confidence of being one of the best midfielders and a complete player, that he has turned now in Valencia. The player in only as little a season has become Valencia’s limelight and ray of hope for bringing glory to their home.
“I think the manager has improved me massively,” he says. “I had a different role at Arsenal. I was playing defensive midfield and with the quality of Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla, my quality wasn’t much required. Here, Marcelino gave me the confidence to get on the ball a lot more and create through the middle. I think he has improved every aspect of my game. I have been blessed to have two great managers in my career.”
Arsenalcore team wishes this young son of ours to put into shoes all he had learnt from Arsenal and Wenger because every win he masters is a win for Gunners!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
