Arsenal allowed Héctor Bellerín to seal a loan move to Real Betis on deadline day of the summer window.
The right-back was not included in Mikel Arteta’s key plans this season and in search of regular playing time, he joined the club he supported from his childhood. Last month, the Gunners owned player shared his delight over completing a switch to Real Betis.
It was earlier reported the 26-year-old gave up a large part of his salary to join Manuel Pellegrini’s side on a temporary deal.
ElDesmarque sat down for an interview with the Spaniard and asked his views on giving up money to arrive at the Estadio Benito Villamarín.
“It is clear that money is something important, because it is our job. But I think in football that love of sport, of the club, is being lost,” he said.
“For me and for everyone it was an effort to carry out the operation, not only from the point of view of money. Also how much it cost us to get here. In the end, those efforts pay off and I had other priorities when making my decision.”
Bellerín’s contract at the Emirates runs down in 2023 and before arriving at Real Betis, he didn’t sign an extension. The Gunners initially wanted to sell the fullback for €23m, but had to settle for a loan transfer, without any buying obligation included as part of the deal.
The defender has now detailed his desire is to continue at Real Betis beyond this season.
When asked where he sees himself next June, Bellerín said: “I don’t know, but I’ve always said if I didn’t want to be here next season, I wouldn’t have come from the beginning.
“There are many things to be decided but what I want to do is enjoy this season that I am here. And what has to happen will happen.”
Bellerín has made four starts in the league this season for Real Betis.
