Hector Bellerin joined Arsenal as a 16 year old, he grew into a man in North London, staying with us for over a decade and contributing to our last three FA Cups.
For any other academy graduate he would be celebrated, yet the 27 year old left us in the summer with little fanfare-
Some readers were sensitive this week to my opinion that Leno made too many mistakes to play at the level we aspire to be.
I didn’t see the same people leap to Bellerin’s defence when he was getting constant abuse as a Gunner.
The Spaniard would be mocked for his interest in fashion, his pledge to plant a tree every time his team won, and for standing up to YouTube channels who got views based on verbally abusing players. He rightly pointed out that whoever shouted the loudest and swore the most was now how some chose to support their club.
What was his crime?
What did he do so wrong for some Gooners to turn on him?
He suffered a couple of serious injuries that robbed him of the pace which made him such an electric full back.
That’s all.
There was nothing wrong with his attitude or desire. His mind was willing but his body not.
It’s sad that not even past the age of 30 he has to accept he’s already past his peak.
He did have a great season at his boyhood club Real Betis ending their 17 year wait for a major trophy by lifting the Copa del Rey.
All parties would have liked the move to be permanent but wages were a stumbling block.
The right back proved in La Liga he could still be a decent squad player for Arteta, but the loan was never designed for the player to prove a point to our manager.
It was to reduce the wage bill with zero clubs willing to offer a transfer fee on top of a huge salary.
Arteta has been allowed to wash his hands of too many talents once he feels they don’t suit his ethos. His employers should have told him it’s a requirement to work with the resources you have and train and teach to make people better.
Not pay to rip up a contract which happens too many times.
Even from a business point of view it’s not good practise.
Bellerin’s final game for us was in pre-season against Orlando.
He deserved a better send off and a chance to say farewell to us and vice versa.
The Europa League gives us that chance especially the second leg a week on Thursday.
I hope the Emirates crowd give him the standing ovation and respect he didn’t get at the end.
After all those serious injuries he suffered, he did it for the Arsenal.
Thank you Bellerin.
Dan
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I 100% agree, he deserves a warm welcome
👍
I always loved Hector,so dedicated to his job. He worked wonders for us on that position and we won great games with him always assisting with his pace and back defending. He once tormented Barca in the Champions league with his pace on the right
He had his best years with us Gunners, and to me ,he shall always be a Gunner!!
I hadn’t realised that Hector had reached the dreaded 30 landmark, as he’s always seemed such a pleasant young man of youthful appearance, and attitude. It’s to his credit that he’s still playing at a very good level despite the injuries that robbed him of his chances at the very top and I’m sure the Arsenal fans will show him the greatest respect and he’ll return it in his usual articulate manner & Spockney dialect.
I’m not against it if people feel strongly for him – he was here a long time. Imo standing ovations tend to suggest the player/manager had some major achievements at the club, so it wouldn’t have crossed my mind that he’d get that level of treatment (for whatever reason, he never hit the heights it looked as though he could) – I’m probably over-thinking it!
Dan, one of your articles that I can agree with 100%.
Hector Bellerin was a model professional, who gave everything to our club and never brought The Arsenal into disrepute with actions on and off the field.
I’m positive that the Emirates crowd will give him a standing ovation and he deserves to be recognised for what he achieved at the club.
Great article..
just a clear welcome from my end…
After your unjustifiable diatribe on another ex Gunner who ,like Bellerin, never threw his toys out of the pram but went about his business with commendable professionalism, you could well be accused of being hypocritical or worse.Like Leno, I would be happy to applaud Bellerin as he enters the arena which meant such a lot to him.In terms of comparing their respective abilities, prior to his injuries, Bellerin was probably the quickest RB in Europe, yet he never gained a full cap for Spain at the height of his powers whereas Leno made 9/10 starts for the full German team who were blessed with the finest Keeper on the planet.How do you account for that Dan?The truth is, apart from his pace, Bellerin was not a great footballer and despite your prognosis, Leno was regarded highly by those who earned a living from having a real understanding of the game.There was absolutely no need for you to be scathing in you article concerning Leno, yet you set out to disrespect the man. Not that it will bother you a jot, but I will not be responding to any of your future articles.I do however hope you stay fit and well and find happiness in your future life.
I wonder why he lost his place for us and his place in the German squad if he did so well for us ?
Odd that a player would play well and be dropped for club and country isn’t it ?
Difference is you can say Bellerain wasn’t good and i say , cool that’s your opinion
Because I’m happy in my life , I can do that , that’s my point
I concur. He deserves a standing ovation. God bless his heart.
Yes. He deserves a standing ovation!
That game and assist to Ozil against Bayern, I will never forget.
All I have to say about Bellerin is that I wanted his exit for years before he finally left. When he did eventually leave, I was very glad.
I have nothing whatever against him as a person but as a so called “defender” he was IMO, always really ineffective.
I care only for the team and club and have no interest whatsoever in our poorer players once they have left us!
Merely being honest about my thoughts.
BUT if Dan says
…..I have nothing whatever against Leno as a person but as a so called “goalkeeper” he was IMO, always really ineffective.
I care only for the team and club and have no interest whatsoever in our poorer players once they have left us!
Merely being honest about my thoughts.”
Then you SLAUGHTER him.i can’t see the difference myself. Can you?
Oh yes I CAN! And very easily too, as I am BRIGHT, not dull witted.
You don’t do irony hey Jon lol ?
No worries. The Emirates is still connected to The Hale End. Hector Bellerin will get a warm welcome by everyone.
Hector wasn’t in yesterday’s team squad, so may be injured or otherwise. Perhaps he may not even be here for the home game.😢