Former Arsenal star Nacho Monreal spoke to El Pais about his decision to leave the Gunners last summer.
The Spaniard, signed by Arsene Wenger, spent six and a half years at the Emirates and was one of the club’s most consistent players. Monreal started the campaign normally and it was quite a surprise to see Arsenal let him leave.
Now 34, he has been very impressive in La Liga for Real Sociedad this season. Monreal opened up about leaving Arsenal in an interview where he claimed that he has no regrets about his decision.
He said: “The truth is yes. It was a difficult decision because I loved the competition, I was in a good moment and I had the confidence of the coach and the club.”
“I still had opportunities to play, but after so many months things are going well at Real (Sociedad). There is a good team and I do not regret having made the decision.”
Arsenal brought in Kieran Tierney from Celtic while also having Sead Kolasinac in their ranks. Monreal was deemed surplus to requirements by Unai Emery in the summer, but he could have had a good part to play.
The Gunners lost Tierney through injury for most of the campaign while Kolasinac has had his fair share of fitness problems as well.
Monreal would clearly have received a lot of game time had he stayed but his departure, in ways, worked out well for Arsenal.
Injuries to both Tierney and Kolasinac opened the doors for young Bukayo Saka to play at left-back. The teenager, naturally an attacker, filled in brilliantly and has made a fantastic name for himself.
Saka has three goals and 10 assists to his name already this season. If Monreal was available, the young Englishman might not have had the chance to showcase his skills at the top level which would have been a shame considering how well he has done this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
