For most players, representing Arsenal is an experience rarely forgotten and many who leave North London find greener pastures difficult, however, Kelechi Nwakali believes that leaving England was the right decision.
Nwakali, 22, helped Spanish side Huesca, gain promotion to LaLiga last season after making his intentions for more game time clear.
After catching the Gunners’ eye in 2016 following his impressive performance the U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2015, he spent the majority of his time away on loan in Holland with MVV Maastricht and VVV Venlo and then spent a spell with FC Porto B before departing for the Spanish second division.
“It was difficult for me to leave because they (Arsenal) wanted me to stay,” Nwakali told Tribalfootball.
“But at the same time, I needed to get a place where I can call my home, where I can continue to develop my game.”
The talented playmaker was sold on the ambition of the club and the reality that his game would develop at a much greater pace under the guidance of former head coach, Francisco Javier Rodríguez and now Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz.
“What convinced me was after the club went to the (La Liga 2) second league. They had the main aim to gain promotion back, they never gave up the dream to come back to the highest league, the club was still fighting to come up and promotion was achieved,” the Nigeria international explained.
“It was a dream come through and playing in La Liga will also help to develop my game and I think I’m justified with that choice to play for Huesca. I have a good relationship with the coach. He always talks to me after every training on where to improve and get better as a player
“The position I play is comfortable for me. It shows more of my qualities and I really appreciate him for helping me to adjust to his own philosophy of football.”
Source: africanfootballhq