Nacho Monreal stated that he had given his all for Arsenal during his six years with them.
In 2018, he was sold off to Real Sociedad under Unai Emery’s reign after winning 3 FA Cups with the Gunners.
The Real Sociedad defender told the Guardian, “(Arsene) Wenger’s departure was controversial. There was a big divide among the fans, we saw it every game.
“After 22 years, the first post-Wenger coach was always going to have a difficult role. Maybe Unai didn’t get the time he needed but he did a good job.
“I would have loved to have played under Arteta. I spoke to Hector about that. I had him as a teammate and I would have loved to see him as a coach; there’s that curiosity in me. But I chose another path and came to San Sebastián. I’m happy for me and him because things are going well.”
He continued, “I know what kind of player I am: I’ve never been a star who scores goals or makes the difference.
“But every time I pulled on the Arsenal shirt, I gave my all. I felt proud just warming up. You could feel the fans’ affection, gratitude. I’m very fond of them too.”
On signing for the Gunners, Monreal added: “Arsenal had two left-backs: Kieran Gibbs got injured two days before and André Santos wasn’t playing.
“They were fifth or sixth and saw they might not qualify for the Champions League for the first time in [15] years so the idea of signing me formed. In a day, it was done.
“It was a leap: I’m from a tiny town, had never left [Spain], and went alone to a new country with a language I didn’t understand, where I hardly knew anyone. On my debut at Stoke, there was a clash of heads, blood: a nice welcome to the Premier League. Sometimes, though, the train passes just once; climb on board or it goes by. Seven years later, I’m so happy I did.”
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