'No hard feelings' towards my Arsenal replacement Tomiyasu says Bellerin
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 18 Jan 2022 20:36 GMT
- 3 min read
Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has admitted it "makes him so happy" to see his parent club playing well this season, and stresses he's pleased to see his replacement at the club Takehiro Tomiyasu doing well.
Bellerin, who joined Real Betis on a season-long loan deal at the start of the season, appeared on Ian Wright's Spotify podcast 'Wrighty's House' and discussed the fortunes of Mikel Arteta's side.
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The Spanish right-back wasn't a complete regular at The Emirates last season, and the club took the decision to sign Tomiyasu from Bologna in the summer.
Tomiyasu arrived at Arsenal on the same day that Bellerin departed for Betis, with the move one that Arteta wanted. The Japanese defender has been a hit at the club, impressing with his consistent performances at right-back.
What has Bellerin said?
Despite the fact Tomiyasu was signed as his replacement, Bellerin spoke highly of the player. "Arsenal are doing amazing and that makes me so happy," he told Wright. "The player they got in my position – Tomiyasu – he is doing great. No hard feelings."
Bellerin joined Arsenal from Barcelona's academy, but joined boyhood club Betis last summer after asking Arteta if he could leave in order to play more regularly.
"I was lucky that Mikel is someone who is very understanding. Mikel knew it was nothing to do with football or the club," Bellerin said.
"As people we go through cycles and it’s not because I don’t want to play there anymore, it’s just because this isn’t helping any of us.
"When I know that it’s not the place where I need to be at that time, nothing works and Mikel really understood that. He knows everything I’ve gone through at Arsenal, my injuries, every single episode.
"I was very lucky that I could be open with him and we could have a talk where he understood fully. He said, 'I want to help you'. Not just as a coach but as a friend."
Bellerin has made 18 appearances in all competitions for Betis this season, contributing with four assists as the side currently sit third in the Spanish top flight.
But, he revealed he still keeps a keen eye on his parent club. "It is beautiful to see because I still watch every game and I want the guys to do well. It's how football goes. You need to see when it is your time and when it is not.
"I always said to the club if I leave this place I don't want to leave you guys without anyone in my position or in a position when you guys can't be in the best terms.
"I want the best for all of us. I have been at Arsenal for 10 years and I love this place. It worked out for everyone and that's what truly shows me it was the right thing to do.
"It makes me happy to see the boys doing well."
Despite a poor start to the season, Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League, although they have games in hand on the teams above them.
