William Saliba admits he found the lure of representing Arsenal impossible to resist, despite the club’s recent struggles.
Mikel Arteta has masterminded a significant improvement in the quality of the club’s performances since he took over from Unai Emery in December, but the Gunners will likely miss out on European qualification altogether unless they win next weekend’s FA Cup final against Chelsea.
All told, Arsenal will be spending a fourth consecutive season outside the Champions League, but were still able to temp one of Europe’s most highly-rated defenders to join them last summer amid significant competition from north London rivals Tottenham.
Arsenal ultimately won the battle, paying £27million for the teenager’s services and allowing him to return to the Ligue 1 club for the whole of the 2019/20 campaign.
‘I fell for Arsenal from the start,’ Saliba told L’Equipe. ‘A number of French players have been there. Arsenal has not been at the top of its game for the last three, four years.
‘But, like St Etienne, its badge, its history and its fans made me want it. I have a crush on Arsenal. What it gives off speaks to me. I had no hesitation. I am discovering another world.’
The 19-year-old, who will wear the prestigious No.4 jersey next season, will be unable to compete in Saturday’s French Cup final against PSG following a bitter dispute between his boyhood club and the team he is joining but he will still be in attendance.
‘I couldn’t miss this,’ he added. ‘As I am not able to play, I want to at least feel this final as much as possible, by supporting my team in the stadium. In front of the TV, it would not be the same.
‘It was important for me to be there, hoping to see Les Verts win. It will also allow me to say goodbye to my teammates properly. Because I left like I was a robber.
‘It would have been my first final, my second year as a professional. Of course I hope to play other finals, but you are never sure of anything. On top of that, it would have been my last match with the club that formed me.
‘I hoped, hoped. Truly. Even when it became impossible. The two clubs did everything for me to play. But they did not reach an agreement. I was very disappointed.’
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