On Wednesday evening Arsenal face FC Basel in their second Champions League group game. It’s an important match for both clubs and the occasion gave Swiss newspaper Blick a chance to talk to Philippe Senderos.
The defender was at Arsenal from 2003 to 2010, with a couple of loans in-between. That legnthy period, a formative one for Senderos and probably the best stage of his career, has left a mark and the now Rangers player was happy to share some positive words.
When Senderos moved from Servette to Arsenal as an 18 year old, he was surrounded by his heroes: “That was crazy. In Geneva I had posters of them on the wall, now I’m suddenly in the same kit.”
Manager Arsene Wenger helped guide Senderos at the beginning of his career, and the Swiss defender believes he also helped by showing faith in young players: “For him, it does not matter how old someone is or what successes he celebrated earlier. What counts is the performance.”
Playing for Arsenal for so long means that Senderos will always see the club, and his time there, as special: “It was a great time in London, Arsenal is a big club, which I will forever carry in my heart.”
Now at Arsenal there’s a new Swiss star and Senderos made it clear he’s a big fan and pleased that a compatriot has joined the Gunners: “I am pleased that once again a Swiss plays at Arsenal. His is the future!”
