Héctor Bellerín saw his playing time at Arsenal restricted in the second half of last season and was told he was not included in Mikel Arteta’s plans at the Emirates this campaign.
The right-back managed to complete a loan move to Real Betis on deadline day and was presented to the media on Thursday.
Speaking to reporters, the 26-year-old admitted a move away from the north London club seemed difficult in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.
“Two weeks before the end of the market it seemed complicated, but it became a reality. Football is not just money, sentiment is very important,” he said, as quoted by ABC Sevilla.
“For me, having the opportunity to be here is where I want to be. I face the challenge with great enthusiasm and football does not only depend on the player. I will live from day to day.”
On September 2nd, we relayed news from Spain the Gunners wanted to sell him for €23m, but instead had to settle for a free loan transfer due to the 26-year-old’s desire to realise his dream of playing for Betis.
The Arsenal owned defender has now touched on his admiration towards the La Liga side.
“It is a feeling that my father has instilled since I was little. As a child I was a bit of a turncoat, but he forced me to wear the Betis shirt. Being able to make my father happy with a dream that is his, and fulfilling it for him makes me very excited,” Bellerín explained.
The Spaniard has a contract with the Premier League side until 2023, meaning the next summer will be the last big opportunity for Arsenal to cash in from his sale.
When asked if he wants to extend his stay with Manuel Pellegrini’s side beyond this season, the defender said: “What there is, is what there is, let’s see how everything goes. To enjoy, football, training and the city.”
