Comment comes after the Spaniard signed for Arsenal this year following his rejection of Liverpool last summer
Martin Zubimendi has said he turned down a move to Liverpool last summer because he felt the timing wasn’t right to leave Real Sociedad.
The Spanish midfielder completed a move to Arsenal earlier this month but Liverpool had originally held talks with Real Sociedad last year regarding the player.
Discussions went to an advanced stage and Liverpool were prepared to pay his £51m release clause. Ultimately the move did not happen because Zubimendi opted to stay in San Sebastian for another season, a decision he believes was necessary for his development.
“It wasn’t an easy time,” said Zubimendi. “I wanted to stay at La Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options.
“The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave, and it wasn’t the right time. I felt La Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision.”
After that Arsenal called and Zubimendi was drawn towards the London club due to his connection with Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta. Both men are from the Basque Country in Spain.
“I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” says Zubimendi.
“I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad. I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one.”
