Hector Bellerín isn’t any afraid of talking about transfer interest in him.
Currently in Spain with the national team squad, the player has spoken to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo about his roots at the Culé club.
The full interview will only be published in Wednesday’s edition, but the newspaper’s website already has a few quotes from the player.
On being linked to a Barcelona move, Bellerín claims he’s focused on Arsenal, but makes it clear it’s a nice thing to hear: “Yes, any player is flattered by the interest of Barça, it’s the best club in the world and that is very nice, the fact that I grew up in Barca’s academy also gives me that extra bit of specialty, although I’m now focused on games and the season, the other will come later.
“When I left Barca my idea was not to return, because my exit was a bit complicated,” he said. “I went to live my adventure in England, try to be a footballer and not return. But you don’t know what the future holds and you cannot close doors.”
It’s also been claimed a potential Arsenal exit could be related to Arsene Wenger’s future at the club. According to the player, his permanence would be crucial: “Loyalty to that person is worth more than money, he’s very important for me, him being there weighs a lot for me.”
The 22-year-old has also commented on the links with Manchester City: “I know there has been interest from the City, it’s a compliment that a coach like Guardiola thinks of me, that’s a sign that things are going well.”
Hector Bellerín left Barcelona in 2011, when he was still 16, to join Arsenal’s academy. He signed a new deal with the Gunners a few months ago, which commits him to the club until 2023.
