The 20-year-old had his breakthrough campaign in 2014-15, starring in the Gunners first team despite competition from the likes of Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers.
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Wenger expects an even better season for the Spaniard, who will be fighting for his first-team spot against fit-again Mathieu Debuchy.
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday’s clash against Everton, Bellerin threw light on how he was convinced to join Arsenal FC after manager Arsene Wenger personally met him at the Emirates, a night before a Premier League match against arch-rivals Manchester United in 2011.
Interestingly, his caption – in which he describes the Gunners as the club “that put trust in me” – suggests that the faith he has received over the past season may have been crucial in his decision to extend his stay.
Hector Bellerin signs a new “long-term” contract with Arsenal.
“Yes, he has emerged as an important player last season”, he said in Singapore on the club’s preseason tour.
In fact he made it clear that it was his choice to come to north London in the first place, not a second choice after not making the grade with Barcelona.
‘If I’d wanted to play there, I would have stayed there in the first place, ‘ said Bellerin.
His Arsenal future is now secured until 2020, and we’re looking forward to seeing him grow even further as a player.
“I spoke to Cesc once I got here”.
‘It was hard to leave family and friends and my country but I look back happy that I did it. For me it was a big step.
And the Frenchman reiterated that Bellerin will be a key part of his first-team squad for the coming season.
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It’s the long-term potential of Bellerin that Arsenal is really investing in.
