Spanish International Hector Bellerin, who made 183 appearances for the Gunners in a span of nine years, was so eager for a fresh challenge that he was ready to take a salary reduction to quit Arsenal. His wish finally came true in this season’s summer transfer window as he joined La Liga side Real Betis on a season-long loan.
Bellerin joined Arsenal in 2011 from Barca’s famous La Masia Academy. He broke into the Arsenal first team in 2014 under Arsene Wenger. Following his breakthrough, Bellerin had become a key player in the Arsenal squad. He was Arsene Wenger’s first-choice right-back and wasting no time, became one of the best full back’s in Europe. In the 2015-16 season, Bellerin was also named in the PFA Team of the Year. The Spaniard has also captained the Arsenal side on numerous occasions.
Unfortunately, after his return to the football pitch following an ACL injury, Bellerin’s career had taken an unusual turn as he lost his place as Arsenal’s first-choice right-back towards the end of last season. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta preferred Callum Chambers to take up the right-back role, leaving Bellerin on the bench for majority of the matches.
During the summer transfer window, the 26-year-old was linked with transfers to PSG and Inter but instead returned to his homeland by signing a loan deal with Real Betis on a lower wage.
In an interview with Spanish news agency ElDesmarque, Bellerin said that “It is clear that money is something important because it is our job, but I think in football, that love of sport, of the club, is being lost.”
“For me, after having understood & had that feeling since childhood, there are things that you put first.”
“This past year & a half has made us rethink many things. For me & everyone, it was an effort to carry out the operation, not only from the point of view of money.”
“Those efforts pay off & I had other priorities when making my decision.”
When asked whether he will join Arsenal following the conclusion of a loan deal with Real Betis and challenge new signing Takehiro Tomiyasu for the right-back spot the Spaniard said that “I don’t know, but I’ve always said if I didn’t want to be here next season, I wouldn’t have come from the beginning. There are many things to be decided but what I want to do is enjoy this season that I am here.”
