‘It wasn’t the right time to leave Real Sociedad last summer’published at 12:13 British Summer Time
12:13 BST
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Zubimendi says it “wasn’t an easy time” for him last summer, trying to decide what was best for his future during a spell of intense transfer speculation.
“The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn’t the right time,” he explained.
“I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying at Real was the best decision for me.”
Zubimendi and Arteta hit it off after speaking on the phone and the Spain international says that the Arsenal manager’s “obsession” with “details” is one of the reasons why he wanted to join the club.
“I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe. he explained.
“At the end of the day, 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.”
Zubimendi also says he is learning “a lot” from his new boss.
“I think I’m going to try to do things I didn’t do before,” he said. “Playing in that position, I’ll try to bring balance and provide that passing outlet that I’m known for.
“Beyond that, I’m sure he’ll ask me to do new things.”