Ex Arsenal stopper is now playing in Major League Soccer.
Vito Mannone has told The Telegraph he believes he deserved more chances for Arsenal at the start of his career.
The Italian made his debut for the Gunners in 2008 but could not hold down a first team spot.
He broke through at a time Arsenal were looking to replace Jens Lehmann, but he could not keep Manuel Almunia out of the starting line up.
He says he feels he should have got more opportunities to establish himself.
Mannone said: “I proved to Wenger I could be a goalkeeper in the Premier League. It’s a nice memory that I played for Arsenal, but I always think that I could have done more if I had more chances.
“It was (Manuel) Almunia keeping me out in a moment when Arsenal didn’t have a stand-out goalkeeper, that’s why I thought I could have more chances.”
Mannone is currently playing for MLS side Minnesota United, on loan from Reading.
He made 23 appearances for Arsenal in total before leaving for Sunderland permanently in 2013.
Four years later he left the Black Cats to sign with Reading. At 31 he is enjoying a new lease of life in America and has been nominated for the MLS’ best goalkeeper award.
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