William Saliba says the main lesson he learned from his loan spells away from Arsenal was a never-say-die attitude.
Mikel Arteta has been desperate to improve the Gunners mentality following last season’s top-four failure, and they have started the season in much better form with a number of tight victories credited to their mental strength.
When describing his key takeaway from his loan moves, he told Canal Plus, via GFFN. “That football is hard!
“[Also] that you have to keep working and never throw in the towel.”
Saliba impressed in stints at Saint-Etienne, Nice and Marseille before a long-awaited opportunity in the Arsenal squad.
Upon his return to north London, the 21-year-old held talks with Arteta about his role in the team.
“We spoke a bit at the beginning of the season,” said the Frenchman.
“He was happy with what I did whilst on loan. He’s a very good coach, who really knows what he’s doing. He is clear in everything that he says. He has helped me integrate quickly into this system of play.
“Every day he gives advice to be better on the pitch.”
