‘Absolutely huge’: Wenger once praised 23-year-old who has just quit Arsenal

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Ben Sheaf has just confirmed his exit from Arsenal.

The 23-year-old joined the Gunners way back in 2011 and revealed on Twitter yesterday that he has left to join Coventry City on a permanent basis.

Sheaf, a midfielder, spent last season on loan with the Championship club and has now joined them on a long-term basis.

Here’s how he reacted to the exit on Twitter:

‘Absolutely huge’

Despite being on Arsenal’s books for so long, Sheaf only managed two senior appearances for the club – both under Arsene Wenger.

In fact, going by comments from the legendary Frenchman in 2017, it looks like he expected big things from the player.

Here’s what Wenger told Arsenal Player four years ago: “He’s always ahead of the game and his anticipation quality is absolutely huge. He has that kind of mental strength as well. A typical British way of handling things, facing the difficulties with a very cool and intelligent way. There is something in him that I believe will allow him to progress always.”

Despite big praise from Wenger, Sheaf was never quite able to establish himself with the Emirates Stadium club.

His spell at City last season was his third different loan spell away from the North Londoners, having also spent time with Stevenage and Doncaster Rovers.