Former Gunner wants to return to the Emirates Stadium | OneFootball

Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has admitted he’d like to return to the Emirates Stadium to watch a game, and he’s following his old club from afar.

SEVILLE, SPAIN: Hector Bellerin of Real Betis warms up prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Betis and Girona FC at Estadio Benito Villamarin on December 21, 2023. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin spoke to TNT Sports this week, and he revealed that he’s delighted with how things are going for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta.

“It makes me incredibly happy to just see Arsenal where it is today and this is something that I’ve been reflecting on lately, thinking about my times there,” Bellerin said.

“I just feel so lucky that I was able to be part of that football club with the people that were there, with how that city embraced me.

“Every year that passes, every season that passes, I become more conscious of how incredible it was and how big Arsenal is. When I was there, I knew how big it was, but now when I’m outside of it, it feels way bigger.

“And I’m not talking about how big they are financially or whatever, but just what they represent and the energy that the club has nowadays.”

NUREMBERG, GERMANY: Hector Bellerin of Arsenal is challenged by Christoph Daferner and Johannes Geis of 1.FC Nuernberg during the pre-season friendly match between 1. FC Nürnberg and Arsenal F.C. at Max-Morlock-Stadion on July 08, 2022. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Bellerin went on to confirm that he still follows Arsenal matches whenever he can, and he’d like to return to London for a game.

“I try to watch them every week and if I can’t watch the game, I’ll watch the highlights and I try to keep in touch with some of the players,” Bellerin added.

“I’ve been thinking that I really want – if there’s ever a weekend off – to go and watch a game and be back at the stadium as well.

“I used to love playing at the Emirates at 3 o’clock, on a sunny Saturday in August or September. I’m always going to be very attached to the club and I wish them all the success in the world because I truly feel that they deserve it.”

Hector Bellerin of Arsenal Arsenal v Slavia Prague, UEFA Europa League, Quarter Final, First Leg, Football, Emirates Stadium, London, UK – 08 Apr 2021. Copyright: Javier Garcia / BPI / Shutterstock

Bellerin is currently in Spain playing for Real Betis, often pulling on the captain’s armband for the club.

The 29-year-old has made eight appearances this season, helping his team to six wins and just two narrow defeats.

Bellerin initially joined Betis as a loanee back in 2021, winning the Copa del Rey after providing an assist in the final against Valencia.

The defender went on to join Barcelona on a permanent deal, before spending six months with Sporting CP. But Betis were clearly the best fit, and he ended up returning to his old loan club in the summer of 2023.

Perhaps someday he’ll return to Arsenal too, even if it’s only to watch a game from the stands.