Dani Ceballos has explained his reasoning behind turning down “other options” to join Arsenal on a second season-long loan.
Ceballos impressed during his initial spell in north London to such an extent that Mikel Arteta sought to bring him back from Real Madrid.
The midfielder had offers from elsewhere but built such a connection with the fanbase and manager that Arsenal won the race.
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Arteta has already reacted to the deal, Arsenal’s fifth of a solid summer, which will see the Gunners pay no loan fee but cover the entirety of Ceballos’ wages for the campaign.
“It’s true that I had other options, such as staying at Real Madrid and going back to the Spanish league, where there were teams interested in me,” he told Arsenal Digital.
“I spoke to the coach last year, before the final, and told him that I wanted to stay at Arsenal and win titles.
“I’d been really happy with what Mikel had built at the club since he came in. I had a great time at this club last season and there was never any doubt in my mind that I wanted to come back.
“I think everyone will have seen last season that from the moment I joined, I bought into the club completely and always gave 100 per cent both on and off the pitch.
“The fans repaid me for that by showing me a lot of love. When I was at home they were sending me messages asking me to come back and saying that they needed me here.
“I think they’ll be as happy as I am that I’m back and I’m sure we have a great year ahead of us this season.”
Felipe Anderson next? Probably not. Be a bit weird.