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Barcelona Complete Signing of 200+ Appearances Arsenal Defender, Star Thanked for His Commitment

Ex-Arsenal defender Bellerin

Barcelona have completed the signing of defender Hector Bellerin after the Spaniard terminated his contract with Arsenal. A Tweet from the player confirms the move.

The Arsenal defender made over 250 appearances for the club since his arrival as a teenager in 2011, and returns to the club he left when moving to North London.

Barcelona Complete Signing of Arsenal Defender

An Alternative Option

Barcelona have secured a full-back at the final hour, with Bellerin signing in the late stages of deadline day. The defender has signed a one-year deal with no option to extend, indicating that his signing is a short-term fix following the departures of Dani Alves and Sergino Dest.

The Spaniard spent the previous campaign on loan at Estadio Benito Villamarin, where he impressed as Manuel Pellegrini’s side won the Copa Del Rey. Betis were unable to complete another deal for Bellerin.

Shot at Redemption

The last few years have been tough for Bellerin with a string of injuries hampering his progress, and ultimately costing him a successful career with Arsenal and the Spanish national team.

Bellerin looked to be a standout prospect following his breakthrough in the 2014/15 season, where he won the FA Cup before being named in the Premier League Team of the Season a year later, but he never quite hit the heights many expected of him.

Returning to Spain injected a new lease of life into Bellerin’s career at Real Betis last season, and completing this move to the club where he played during his youth could help him rediscover his form and confidence even further.

Committed Leader

Bellerin occasionally wore the captain’s armband during his time as a senior player at Arsenal and will bring a wealth of experience, leadership and commitment to the Camp Nou.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised the defender following his departure, thanking his former teammate for his “loyalty and commitment” in an official club statement.

As a graduate of La Masia, the new signing understands the true magnitude of playing for Barcelona more than some of their recent unsuccessful signings, making him appealing to manager Xavi Hernandez.

Ex-Arsenal Defender Thankful for Club

There is no animosity between Arsenal, their fans and the Spaniard despite the deal coming in the form of contract termination, and Bellerin thanked the club’s faithful as well as previous managers Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery.

Despite his problems on the pitch in recent years, Bellerin will be remembered fondly at the Emirates and is the final member of Arsenal’s 2015 FA Cup winning side to depart the club.

 

Rahul Lakhani

Rahul Lakhani

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