Former Arsenal defender Julio Pleguezuelo admits he plans to return to the Premier League three years after leaving the Emirates Stadium for FC Twente in the Eredivisie, speaking to Voetbal International.
Pleguezela, like so many others, obviously saw the Dutch top-flight as a stable stepping stone on his journey to something bigger.
The Spanish centre-back always had a return to English shores on his mind when he put pen to paper with Twente in the summer of 2019. And despite staying in Enschede for longer than he initially anticipated, the now-25-year-old Pleguezuelo is convinced that the decision was a right one, as he sets the wheels in motion for a new move and a new challenge.
Julio Pleguezuelo may have a point to prove to Arsenal
“I never thought I would stay here so long,” says Pleguezuelo, once of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. “Two years, maybe three, maximum. Twente seemed like a nice intermediate station in my career. But it has become so much more than that. I have found football happiness here.”
Pleguezuelo was a regular fixture at the heart of the Twente defence last term; Helping Ron Jans’ side finish fourth in the table while qualifying for the Europa League play-offs. Only two sides in the Eredivisie – Feyenoord and champions Ajax – conceded fewer goals domestically in 2021/22.
“My girlfriend and I have just bought a house in North East London, not far from the West Ham United stadium,” adds Pleguezuelo, who now has less than 12 months remaining on his Twente contract.
“(London) is a beautiful city, I have so many friends there. Since the day I left Arsenal, my ambition has been to come back; To return to England. After Twente, I still want to go to the Premier League. Possibly via the Championship.
“Spain is not really on my mind. I can play football, but I prefer physical, solid play. England suits me better. That’s where my future lies.”
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