Nacho Monreal has officially signed for Spanish La Liga side Real Sociedad, a transfer that was widely expected and he leaves with his head held high.
The Spaniard played in 251 games for Arsenal, scoring on ten occasions and won three FA cups since signing for us back in January 2013 from Malaga. Nacho was also a member of the 2018 Spanish world cup squad and appeared for his country on 22 occasions.
He was a good servant for the club and it is a shame he did not get a bigger haul of winners medals, he was always a trier and was a good left-back but it was clear that he was struggling for pace recently and will be far better suited to the slower game in La Liga.
The timing of his departure could have been better, it would have been handy to have him in the squad against Tottenham tomorrow because we are light on the left side of the defence but it is what it is and Arsenal will do just fine without him.
Monreal leaves on good terms, unlike Laurent Koscienly and I am positive that every single Arsenal fan will wish him the very best as he sees out his career back in his homeland.
Yes you just have to be petty enough to throw a jibe at Koscienly even after all these weeks and everyone’s moved on?
Montreal was the only consistent player we had for the last three seasons straight before Emery got the job.
I couldn’t find his flaws, though when he came he was with so many flaws and lacked confidence, he was death with a lot by Robben a couple of times.
Only few strong players can recover from his first two seasons. The turning point was when Arsene Wenger had to play him in the CB position to cover for Our injured CB’s at the time.
Montreal played so well as a CB, you’d think he’s a natural CB.
He never looked back since then, he went along with that performance back to his position.
I have to say one of the most underrated players we’ve had in the past Century alongside Giroud.
Monreal was also underappreciated, he wasn’t even the type that fancies the spotlight, you’ll hardly read stuffs about him.
All he cared about was giving his all and he did so quietly and greatly.
Everything must come to an end, his age is the biggest flaw now.
You sir Montreal, you were a fabulous player and great servant.
Fabulous left back and very underrated, I don’t care what anyone else thinks.
Good luck back home
I couldn’t agree more!very nice post!
Nice send off..thanks
It’s Monreal! At least get his name right!
QD please spare me… Like Autocorrect Sees the word Monreal as English.
Blame the phone manufacturers?
Great post about a great servant of the club.
@Eddie, jibes will always come, even years after. Wenger still gets picked on, and he’s been gone like a century before Koschielny did. Not a cheap one though. You don’t make your club look a bit smaller just because you are moving to another one. Whatever he becomes today was due to Arsenal. He has no right to belittle this club the way he did.
Spot on about Kos . He was no friend of AFC this last few months and god riddance say I.
Well stated. A potentially good coach. I bet this is his transition to coaching. Professional.
A good servant for arsenal and I wish him all the best in Spain
Cheers Nacho, good player and got on with his game without moaning. Just wish we could have kept him until the spurs game.
If Kola plays, I’ll worry. Surely he won’t play 5 at the back! Knowing Emery though, he’ll play AMN at left back and Chambers, or god forbid Mustafi, at right back.
Farewell Nacho… and thank you
Nicely said Sue. Via con dios Nacho.
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He is the most underrated Gunner ever, always willing to do the dirty works, skillful and an excellent left back overall
Tierney and Kolasinac have very big shoes to fill
Since Tierney could only return in October, we have to use Xhaka again as a makeshift left back, if Kolasinac gets knocked
Saw the look of Tolaji bola and wouldn’t mind him having a go at lesser competitive cup till Tierney comes back
Thank you Monreal, we love you!
Tierney and bellerin are returning 30 Sept so if all go well they would only miss 6-7 epl match.
30 Sep to return to full training. Another 2-3 weeks to get match fit. Another few weeks to regain form.
Furthermore, we don’t even know how long KT will need to adapt to the league.
Negligent sale by the club. Fingers crossed for Kola
Never trusted Kolas; poor timing ofNacho’s departure, should have moved in Jan.Another reckless move by Unai or the person responsible. Come back Nacho someday as a coach or whatever capacity.Good luck bro.love and respect!
So pissed with the club I forgot to wish Nacho well.
Thank you Nacho. You will always have my love and respect. What an exemplary professional!
Fare thee well Nacho, great professional & a great servant to the Arsenal. Good luck and all the best.
Elneny off as well btw
MOTM Vestergaard ??
I was worried they’d give up all the points after the red card but it all went well! Seems I was worring about utd for nothing. They are still struggling.
Yes i thought they’d cave.. but should have known they’d be fine, especially when Lingard was subbed on ?? I thought De Gea should have done better, with their goal, but hey he can howl every week as far as I’m concerned QD.. great to watch!!
They still insist he’s the best goalkeeper in the world!
Good man Nacho. Been a great player and never really had to worry about his quality of play. Good luck back home! Still remember how he beat out Gibbs for the LB spot & rest was history after that.
OT.. Liverpool are being shown live again today ? anyone would think they are the champions, not City….
No Sue but I think they will walk it this season and are European Champions.
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Sorry…?
No worries Declan ? i just don’t like Liverpool!!
A very dependable LB for years. I am sorry to him leave, but I guessed he earned it. That said, what happens if Kola is crocked? Couldn’t we have waited until Tierney came back, and settled into his role?
Adieu Nacho. Thank you for your dedicated service to our club. We shall always cherish good memories of you. Once a gunner forever a gunner.
All the very best to Nacho.
Mr consistent, who got my vote for player of the year on more than one occasion.
Often “under the radar” but rarely let us down.
In the mould of “ old school” model pro.
But as in all things, time catches up with you – over to young Tierney (when fit).
Totally agree, a model pro. Farewell to a good and faithful servant of Arsenal FC.
The supposed deal with Real Sociadad looks promising for Arsenal as well.
Nacho Monreal was a loyal soldier! Always fought for the badge and was very reliable for the most part of his career. I salute him.
Good luck Nacho at your new club, nothing but respect for you.
Thank you Nacho, well done. Time and age were catching up, glad he left as a solid player, and will be remembered as such.
What a professional Monreal has been for is. Never seen him complain. He was played as a CB , Wing back and Left back but always got on with it.
Good luck to the man.
Visit us sometime in the future.
I will graciously miss u..my man nacho more respect.
All the best nacho we will miss you
Wish you the best… among the most faithfully players we’ve had
Really nice guy and a good teamplayer. Good luck Monreal, he’ll always be a Gooner it’s in his blood now. Koscielny, that was madness with the affection he received from our fans, the Boss, I heard Petit say ..that Luiz is Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde – I think Koscielny’s playing career Vs how he stepped down from AFC was more Jekyll and Hyde, night and day, I still can’t believe it.
All the best bad timing though who plays left back tomorrow? Sue hope your guy ?? is up to task tomorrow??
I hope so too, Kenya!!! ?? Be nice to see him!!!