William Saliba provided an explanation for his choice to sign a new contract with Arsenal and turn down Real Madrid despite “lacking trophies” with the Gunners.
The French defender had the option of pursuing Madrid’s dazzling lights. He might have chosen the glitz of the Santiago Bernabeu over north London.
However, Arsenal’s defensive mainstay slammed the door shut when Los Blancos knocked, and he has no regrets.
Saliba’s choice made it very evident that Arsenal is the object of his affection in a world where loyalty is uncommon.
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The 24-year-old defender had only 18 months left on his contract when he signed his new one, and Los Blancos were circling him like hawks.
Saliba Claims He Feels At Home In Arsenal
According to Goal, Saliba made the choice for reasons other than fame or fortune. It has to do with belonging.
“I wanted to continue at Arsenal because I feel at home there […] I wanted to settle there in the long term,” he told reporters.
“I’m lacking trophies but they will come quickly because we have a good manager and a good squad,” he insisted.
His resolve, meanwhile, is fueled by unresolved issues. The Arsenal defender claims he can’t leave empty-handed, even though players like Trent Alexander-Arnold have left the Premier League for Madrid after winning numerous trophies.
“He won some titles with Liverpool,” he said. “Me, I didn’t win anything here except… only the Community Shield, so yeah. I’ve done nothing for this club to think about leaving.
“I want to stay here and win a lot of trophies. I love this club. I cannot leave this club without giving them something back. I‘ve won nothing. So, yeah, my first choice was to stay here and win everything first.”
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