Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos has insisted he is happy at the club, despite a lack of playing time under Unai Emery.
The Spanish midfielder joined the Gunners on loan from Real Madrid this summer, seeking out regular playing time that wasn’t on offer at the Bernabéu.
He enjoyed a flying start to life with Arsenal, with a star performance in the win over Burnley back in August earning rave reviews.
That quickly diminished, though, with Ceballos finding his game time-limited as Unai Emery has preferred Mattéo Guendouzi in his midfield.
That has caused some concern back in Spain but speaking in a press conference, Ceballos insisted he is happy with his current situation.
“I knew the importance of this year, and before being without minutes gave me the chance to miss a World Cup,” he said, relayed by AS.
“I knew that this year was important because the goal is to go to the European Championship. Going to Arsenal has been an important step in my career.
Ceballos’ move to Arsenal came about after it was made clear by Zinedine Zidane that he was not part of his plans at Real Madrid this season.
The Spanish side have since endured a raft of injury problems, which could have opened the door for Ceballos to get his chance at the club.
He’d have every right to be feeling bitter about missing out, but he insists that’s far from the case.
“No, no. Madrid is pretty good,” he added.
“Yes, there have been many injuries, but I don’t feel sorry (about not being there). I know what my goal is this year. I know what I have in my head that was to play and enjoy my football.
“I am very happy in Arsenal; I played ten games where I showed my best level. Now I am where I want to be.
“My idea was clear from the outset, go out, play, enjoy football because in the previous two years I had not done so and I have been successful going out to Arsenal.”
