Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has shed more light on the reason he decided to not join Liverpool last summer and instead make the switch to North London.
The midfielder has been one of the standout performers of the season so far after completing a £60 million move to join the Gunners in the summer, starring in a host of performances that currently see his side top of the league as of the time of writing.
Zubimendi has featured nine times for Arsenal so far this season, playing all 90 minutes on six occasions, and his presence has also given room for Declan Rice to advance further up the pitch.
It could have been a different story, though, as the Spaniard was close to joining one of Arsenal’s rivals in the form of Liverpool. Last summer, the Reds apparently agreed on a deal with Real Sociedad to sign the midfielder.
At the time, Zubimendi gave his word that he would join Liverpool but eventually went back on his decision and stayed with his boyhood side for one more year before joining Arsenal.
He has now come out to say the exact reason he changed his mind after initially deciding to join Liverpool.
Zubimendi reveals Arteta’s impact after Liverpool snub
“When any proposal comes, the first question has to be whether to stay at La Real,” Zubimendi told The Guardian. ‘And it wasn’t the right moment. I stayed, and it was a hard season, but I learned a lot.
“I wanted to step forward and take that weight after others went. I’ve always tried to choose the right time, and I’m happy with how it happened in the end.”
“I had watched Arsenal, and I liked everything I saw, in terms of passion, youth, and the feeling you got watching them. And when Mikel Arteta called me – well, if you’ve ever spoken to him, you’ll know that he can be very convincing.”
“He’s mad about football, crazy about having everything under control, trying to get something from every little detail. He’s very clear on everything, and the proposal he had was the best for me.”
The midfielder further revealed that he has no regrets after turning down Liverpool.
“Of course I don’t regret it; I can’t think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within; I thought it was the best thing to do. The results don’t affect me.”
“I see the potential in this team; you just have to watch us train, and I’m excited about having a good season.”
