Hector Bellerin rejoins boyhood club Barcelona on a free transfer from Arsenal
Hector Bellerin has completed a sensational return to Barcelona from Arsenal.
The defender has won three FA Cups and three Community Shields, scoring nine goals and assisting 29 more in 239 games for the Gunners, since joining from Barcelona’s academy in 2011.
However, Arsenal agreed to terminate his contract after falling out of favour under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.
Defender Hector Bellerin has completed a sensational return to Barcelona from Arsenal
Bellerin has signed a one-year contract with the Spanish giants.
Bellerin requested for his current deal at Arsenal to be cancelled to allow him to make the move away from the Gunners on a free transfer this summer.
The 27-year-old made the decision after struggling to cement a regular place in Arteta’s Arsenal squad.
The defender left the North London club after falling out of favour under Mikel Arteta
Despite the sour ending, Arsenal boss Arteta thanked his former team-mate for his ‘huge contribution’ to the club.
He said: ‘We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club. 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.’
Bellerin spent last season on loan with LaLiga outfit Real Betis – featuring 32 time in all competitions as Los Verdiblancos won the Copa del Rey for just the third time in their history.
Bellerin spent last season on loan with LaLiga outfit Real Betis – featuring 32 time in all competitions as Los Verdiblancos won the Copa del Rey for just the third time in their history
Bellerin is eager to return to the Spanish top-flight but instead of joining Betis, he is expected to join Barcelona.
The 27-year-old began his footballing career at the Catalan club and has reportedly agreed terms to return to the LaLiga giants this summer.
After impressing then-manager Arsene Wenger, Bellerin enjoyed a loan spell at Watford in the Championship during the 2013-14 season, before returning to establish himself at the Emirates.
The Spaniard would go on to become a key fixture for Arsenal throughout the remainder of the last decade, making over 180 Premier League appearances, and winning three FA Cups in north London.