Kieran Tierney has ruled out a January return to Arsenal, confirming he will spend the rest of the season at Real Sociedad.
The left-back joined the Spanish side on loan in the summer and has made 12 appearances, with Tierney enjoying nine starts in LaLiga and featuring twice in the Champions League.
With Jurrien Timber a long-term injury absentee for Arsenal and Takehiro Tomiyasu joining up with Japan for the Asian Cup, there have been suggestions that the Gunners could look to recall Tierney to strengthen their options at the back.
However, Tierney has dismissed that as an option, insisting he has no plans to return to the Premier League this month.
He told Spanish newspaper Noticias de Gipuzkoa: "Several people have asked me about this but the answer is no. I am definitely staying here (in January). Arsenal fans are great, they always gave me a lot of support. During the four years I was there, I will always be grateful to the fans.”
“I don’t want to speak badly about the Premier League because there are some great atmospheres, but in Spain it really is amazing. If you hear fans from Osasuna and Cadiz, they don’t stop singing. It is great here.”
Tierney will have two years left on his Arsenal contract should he return to the club this summer, though he struggled for regular first-team action under Mikel Arteta and his future at the club remains up in the air.
While the 26-year-old admitted he does not know if he will stay in Spain beyond this season, he was keen to emphasise how much he was enjoying his new surroundings.
Follow all the latest January transfer news and rumours live
"I signed to be here for one year, I am happy," Tierney said.
"I cannot say what will happen next but I am enjoying every day. The decision (to join Real Sociedad permanently) is not mine to take. But it is true that I love it here, and I’m enjoying it very much.
“As soon as the opportunity to come emerged, I was totally convinced about it. 100 per cent. I knew that it would be tough without my family and I cannot be with my friends, but I can assure you I am really enjoying everything. I am happy. I do not miss my home.”
