Hector Bellerin has completed a free transfer to Barcelona to end his 11-year stay at Arsenal.
The Spaniard has not been part of Mikel Arteta's first team plans at the Emirates Stadium for some time now and spent last season on loan at Real Betis. He still had one year remaining on his contract with the Gunners, but an agreement has been made to allow him to leave on a free transfer as opposed to terminating his contract.
The Gunners retain a 25% sell on clause should the 27-year-old end up leaving Barcelona in the future however football.london. This potentially gives them some money for a player that it has previously looked as though they could lose for nothing while they have been able to get a significant salary off the wage books.
READ MORE: Cedric to stay at Arsenal despite interest from Fulham as Gunners near Hector Bellerin decision
After joining Arsenal from La Masia at the age of just 16 in 2011, Bellerin made his first team debut coming on as a substitute for his future manager Arteta in 2013. Since then he has gone on to make 239 appearances, making 39 assists and winning three FA Cups and three Community Shields.
He fell out of favour though and was ultimately replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu in the Arsenal first team. With Cedric keen to stay and Ben White currently starting in the right back position it appeared Bellerin had no prospect of further minutes at the Emirates Stadium, and after such a long time in North London, the 27-year-old was keen for a fresh start.
"We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club," Mikel Arteta said. "During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances – such a huge contribution to the club. I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together. We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.”
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