Hector Bellerin has developed in leaps and bounds since joining Arsenal, and the 21-year-old has recently spoken out about his commitment to the club in light of interest from his former club Barcelona.
Bellerin is a product of Barcelona’s fabled La Masia academy, but moved to Arsenal in 2011 as a 16 year old. He went on to sign his first professional contract with the club in 2013 and has since broken into the first team and becoming one of the Gunner’s most promising young players.
The Spaniard recently reaffirmed his commitment to Arsenal, even as his form has attracted interest from some big clubs. “I say every year that England is my home now,” he said, according to Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo.
“I’ve been living in England for many years. I have my family there, I’m living with my girlfriend. I am very happy there, so I do not see myself anywhere else other than Arsenal.”
Bellerin also spoke about his feelings when he played against his former club in Arsenal’s 5-1 aggregate defeat in the Champions League Round of 16.
“How did it feel to play against them? For me, Barca was where I grew up since I was tiny, from eight years old,” he said. “My dream was to play at Camp Nou, and I did — just not wearing the shirt I’d expected when I was little.
“It was something very special and beautiful.”
Barcelona looking at Bellerin to replace Dani Alves
Hector Bellerin has been one of the most solid players for Arsenal this season. Defensively he averages 1.7 tackles, 2 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game, while he has also been crucial to the Gunners’ attacking play. The right-back has scored a goal and provided 6 assists in all competitions this season.
At just 21 years of age, Bellerin is showing all the potential to become one of the best players in his position in the future. This has definitely piqued the interest of his childhood club Barcelona, especially since the 33-year-old club stalwart Dani Alves is in the twilight of his career. Bellerin would be the perfect replacement, but the Spaniard seems happy in London and Barca would have to spend big money to tempt Arsenal and lure him away.
