Luke Ayling has been speaking to Leeds about his time at Arsenal, and revealed why he parted ways with the Gunners.
The £250,000 signing from Bristol City spent time under Steve Bould in the Hale End academy once upon a time.
However, there were a few things he didn’t like about his stint in north London.
As quoted by the club’s official Twitter account, Ayling said: “I didn’t like playing for Arsenal. I didn’t like that it was all about playing out from the back, and training sessions were all geared around keep-ball.”
It sounds as if things were just a bit too technical for the 29-year-old’s liking at the Emirates Stadium.
Having said that, the full-back is now an excellent technician – he scored four goals and assisted five more in 37 Championship games last season from defence.
Now, the Leeds No.2 is more than holding his own in England’s top-flight.
He even managed to keep a clean sheet against his former side at Elland Road earlier this season, as Arsenal and Leeds played out a 0-0 draw.
Sometimes, a player just isn’t suited to a club’s ethos.
Under Arsene Wenger, Arsenal were a side who were heavily focused on technical ability and quick passing, which doesn’t fit every player.
Ayling deserves huge respect for recognising that at an early age, and leaving to build his career in environments which suited him better.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
