If Arsenal fans need a little cheer following their Champions League defeat to PSG, then it may just come in the form of a video interview Martin Zubimendi has given to Real Sociedad.
Reports in the UK and Spanish media have made it clear the midfielder is expected to join the Gunners this summer, with the Premier League side paying his release clause. Real Madrid had been keen, although their local media somewhat raised the white flag last month and admitted impending defeat to Arsenal.
Diario Vasco, local to Real Sociedad, are one of multiple Spanish newspapers covering Zubimendi’s chat and they explain it had something of a feel of goodbye about it: ‘tone that doesn’t inspire optimism about his future’
Indeed, you don’t have to speak fluent Spanish to get the gist that it was a poignant interview sending a message without being explicit about a move to Arsenal or anywhere else. You can have a look yourself, it’s embedded at the bottom of this article.
Marca quote the midfielder as saying: “We get used to so many good things happening to me, but sometimes you have to slow down, look back, and realise everything you’re experiencing and everything you’ve achieved. Luckily, I’ve had the chance to experience many good things with Real Sociedad, many dreams come true: Europa League, Champions League, a title—I couldn’t ask for more.”
Underlining why people are getting a goodbye vibe from the interview, he was also asked about his favourite places around San Sebastián, and said spoke of txokos (Basque dining clubs) he used to visit as a child, before saying: “And I like this place (the port) because, it’s true that I don’t come here often, but when I do, it gives me a lot of calm and peace, also because I’ve spent several summers here with my friends, jumping into the water. My favourite places? Sagües, Urgull, and Zarautz. I’m more of a beach person than a pool person, and now I go there with my dog.”
One person confirmed to be leaving Real Sociedad in the summer is manager Imanol Alguacil. He announced in April that he’d be leaving at the end of this season, feeling both he and the club need a new way forward.
Imanol has been with La Real since 2018 and has played a huge role in Zubimendi’s development. The midfielder is very thankful for the help: “Imanol’s news is a shame. It upsets us all, but it’s surely the best thing for him and for Real Sociedad, because he’s always made it clear he’s thinking about Real Sociedad. I’ve been with him for eight years, since I was 17, when he gave me my debut in the Second Division B, then I made the jump to the first team with him. I think he’s a footballing father to me; he knows me better than anyone. We’re determined to give him the best possible send-off.”
And that send off is likely for Martin Zubimendi as well, as the player potentially lays the groundwork for his goodbye and move to Arsenal.
“Imanol se merece la mejor despedida”.#MadeInGipuzkoa
— Real Sociedad Fútbol (@RealSociedad) May 8, 2025
