Arsenal allowed Nacho Monreal to join Real Sociedad during the summer transfer window, and the defender is thoroughly enjoying his time back in Spain so far.
He’s been questioned repeatedly about his time at Arsenal, and has only had good things to say about the Gunners and their current manager Unai Emery.
Monreal didn’t feel pushed out of the Emirates, and has made it clear on repeat occasions that Emery didn’t really want him to leave the club, valuing his presence in the Arsenal squad.
Marca have once again interviewed the 33 year old, and the Spanish newspaper says he looks back on his time at Arsenal ‘with love’. When asked the best teammate he had, in terms of quality, there was a clear winner.
“It has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. I have been there seven years, I have shared shirts with many good players. The best? I stay with Alexis, he is a different player. After seeing him train for a minute you give yourself account of the kind of player he is. I have felt privileged putting my boots on next to him, Lacazette, Aubameyang, Santi Cazorla, Petr Cech and more…”
On why the window just gone was the best time for him to leave the Premier League club, Monreal said: “It all started the year of the World Cup. We started talking, but at that moment Unai Emery arrived at Arsenal and made it clear that he was counting on me. I was happy, I had a contract, I was a holder and the project was new.
“And this summer I have been calm, thinking that I would continue there, but they signed another left sider and I realised that the door to exit could be open, even though Unai kept counting on me.”
The veteran went on to say he came to the conclusion that whilst he may have been important to Arsenal now, that the situation would likely change sooner rather than later.
