Kiwior on leaving Arsenal: 'I don't think it's a step back' | OneFootball

FC Porto defender Jakub Kiwior discussed his departure from Arsenal, the switch from the Premier League to Liga Portugal, and his partnership with Jan Bednarek.

"I don't think it's a step back. FC Porto shares a lot in common with Arsenal – they are both big clubs, with great ambitions, fantastic fans, stadiums, and history. It wasn't hard to say goodbye to London, considering the sporting prospects," the 25-year-old said in an interview with Polish channel TVP Sport.

Speaking about his move.to Porto, Kiwior told the press: "At one point, they contacted me every day. They fought with all their might, I saw that they cared. They didn't give up and didn't get discouraged, despite many rejections from Arsenal. They pursued their goal and achieved it. I saw that they didn't give up, so I thought it was worth going down that path.

"I had many offers, but at a certain point, I bet on FC Porto."

"It was me who convinced [Mikel] Arteta," the Polish international said about leaving the North London club.

"I simply went to talk to him and explained how I saw the whole situation. He understood my aspirations and my desire to play, and he ended up thanking me for how I conducted myself, both as a person and as a player, throughout the time we worked together. He accepted my arguments, spoke with the sporting director, and from there, things happened quickly. He appreciated that I never let him down."

Kiwior also spoke about his partnership with former Southampton man Bednarek at Porto and in the national team, admitting a special synergy.

"There is something to it, yes. Especially in the Portuguese league matches, where I could close my eyes and know where Janek is when we have the ball. In the national team, it's a bit different, but there are no major differences. A defender should defend and be able to adapt to the coach's demands. The chemistry that is created at the club can, in certain situations, be transferred to the national team's schemes,» he added, before comparing the two leagues.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world, and there, every week we have to compete against the best players in beautiful stadiums. In the Portuguese league, the competition is different and some stadiums are not as impressive as in England. Therefore, now, before some matches, you have to be prepared and motivated, it's more difficult to mobilise yourself. The atmosphere in the games is also a bit different," he concluded.

This season, Kiwior has played five matches for the Portuguese club, including in the goalless draw with José Mourinho's Benfica last weekend.