Whilst there was no football for Arsenal over the weekend, it still turned out to be a memorable one for a former player.
Hector Bellerin was one of several first-team departures at the Emirates Stadium during the summer transfer window - alongside the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Bernd Leno - after agreeing to terminate his contract before sealing a return to Barcelona on deadline day.
In many ways, this deal came as somewhat of a surprise as the right-back was being heavily linked with re-signing for Real Betis following a successful spell with the La Liga outfit last season. But as explained by president Angel Haro, the club's financial difficulties meant an agreement couldn't be reached.
READ MORE: Edu transfer plan bares fruit at Arsenal but £89m decision with 19-year-old star shows pitfalls
"This year [signing Bellerin] was unfeasible," Haro told Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo after the transfer window closed. "As our theoretical [salary] limit was exceeded, it would not make sense. That's why the objective was to keep the group [together]. It didn't make sense to add someone."
Despite missing out on a return to Real Betis, the 27-year-old's consolation has been to sign for one of European football's heavyweights and he took to Instagram after the move was completed to share his delight: "A journey which started when I was 7 years old. Today we meet again!" he wrote.
Now 20 years later, it's safe to say Bellerin has taken the biggest step on this particular journey having made his senior debut for Barcelona against Cadiz at the weekend and things couldn't have gone smoother as he started alongside Gerard Pique, Ronald Araujo and Alejandro Balde in the back four.
It took the visitors until the second half to find a breakthrough en route to a 4-0 win with Frenkie de Jong, Robert Lewandowski, Ansu Fati and Ousmane Dembele all on the scoresheet for Xavi's side who remain second in the La Liga table behind reigning champions Real Madrid.
Bellerin wasn't able to mark his debut with a goal contribution, although he did have a hand in Lewandowski's goal just after the hour mark. The Spaniard picked out the run of Raphinha whose cross was eventually bundled home by the Poland international following a defensive mix-up.
Perhaps Bellerin can claim a 'pre assist' for the goal but he should be happy with keeping a clean sheet on his first appearance in Barcelona colours and he also came out on top in the meeting of former Arsenal players as Lucas Perez endured a frustrating 34th birthday before being replaced in the 72nd minute.
As expected, Xavi was delighted with the performance of his side as they recorded a fifth straight win across all competitions: "It was an important win at a difficult place to come," he told reporters. "We created a lot of chances, dominated the game and it’s three points to keep in touch at the top of the table."
READ NEXT:
Arsenal given boost as Nicolas Pepe improves transfer value with early Nice performances
The £50m Arsenal reason William Saliba is thriving with Mikel Arteta masterstroke getting better
Mikel Arteta has already sent Matt Turner transfer warning after unconvincing Arsenal debut
Three Arsenal legends nominated for greatest Premier League transfer of all time
Arsenal face Liverpool and Manchester City transfer dilemma as crucial Marquinhos decision looms
