Arturo Lupoli has insisted he does not regret his decision to join Arsenal earlier in his career and would make the move “a thousands times over” given the chance.
The now retired forward has been speaking to Radio Firenze Viola about his career and his thoughts on the current iteration of Fiorentina, once of his former clubs.
The striker started his career with Parma FC Youth but joined Arsenal in 2004 in a €300,000 deal as part of the Gunners continued efforts to sign young talent for the future at that point in time.
He would remain at Arsenal until 2007 but only managed nine appearances and 533 minutes for the senior side in those three years, with a loan spell at Derby in 2006 in between.
He was allowed to join Fiorentina on a free transfer and went on to have a wide-ranging career in Italy before eventually retiring last summer.
On the fact of it the decision to move to Arsenal so early in his career looks to have been a regretful one but he insists he has no such feelings.
“At 16, I made this decision thanks to the help of my parents,” he said.
“When Arsenal calls you as soon as they are champions of England, offering you an interesting project, it’s a little easier.
“There were many sacrifices to make but they were worth it because I got into the football that counts.
“The Premier League has changed but it was predictable because already in my day you could see many different things compared to Italy, which has remained a bit stagnant. I would make that choice a thousand times over.”
