Jon Toral of Arsenal during the Youth Team Friendly match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2011 in London, England
Jon Toral thought he was going to have a big future at Arsenal
Jon Toral arrived at Arsenal with a view of following in Cesc Fabregas' footsteps - instead, he watched as close pal Hector Bellerin thrived.
Toral, 29, now plays for Indian giants Mumbai City, who are part of the City Football Group umbrella. In an ideal world, he would still be one of Mikel Arteta's most experienced players and, perhaps, the Gunners' captain.
The Spaniard, who has a British mother, had the choice between remaining at Barcelona and joining the north Londoners all the way back in 2011. He was a huge admirer of Fabregas, who left Barcelona to join the Gunners when he was a youngster, only to return to the Nou Camp in 2011 in a blockbuster £35million deal.
Toral did not enjoy the same success at the Emirates Stadium, as his first-team opportunities were restricted. Now, as he is looking to win his first trophy in India, Toral looked back on the decision he made 13 years ago.
[
Dan Ashworth alarm bell speaks volumes about Arsenal's decision to appoint him](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ashworth-arsenal-keown-man-utd-34290881)
Speaking to Relovo, Toral said: "I've always been very restless. Football gives you the opportunity to experience other cultures and countries.
"It was during that stage between cadet and youth when we don't have professional contracts. Barcelona made an offer, but I could listen to others. And I liked Arsenal's offer more."
He added: "Wenger was there; Cesc Fabregas had succeeded; Fran Merida and Ignasi Miquel were in the squad... months later, they also signed Hector Bellerin. We formed a group that also included Emi Martinez."
Francesc Fabregas of Arsenal in action during the Sony Amsterdam Tournament match between Arsenal v River Plate at The Amsterdam Arena on July 30, 2004 in Amsterdam
Toral wanted to emulate Fabregas ( Image: Getty Images)
Jon Toral of Arsenal during the Youth Team Friendly match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on October 22, 2011 in London, England.
Toral did not make a full senior appearance for Arsenal
Toral did not become the new Fabregas at the Gunners or Barcelona. While his close friend Bellerin went on to force his way into the first team and win three FA Cups over the course of 10 years with the Gunners, Toral had loan spells with Brentford, Birmingham City, Granada and Rangers, before he left permanently to join Hull City in 2017.
He was not able to make a single senior appearance for the north Londoners, despite meeting Arsene Wenger on multiple occasions. Looking back on his disappointment, he said: "You arrive with expectations that sometimes aren't real.
"Some make their debut like Cesc or Bellerin; others like me had to go out on loan and forge our own path. Emulating what Cesc did was almost impossible; his career has been incredible."
Toral now plays his football in India ( Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Toral is now pursuing his goal of winning a trophy with Mumbai City. After spending three years with Greek side OFI Crete FC, Toral left to join Mumbai in the summer.
Explaining his move to Asia, he said: "This is no longer just about football; it's about living off the pitch and keep growing. As a player, it gives you security knowing that City Football Group is behind you, especially when going to a country you don't know, where everything is new. An intermediary approached me with interest.
"They explained the project and reassured me that there would also be an agency in India that could assist me. I spoke with Marcos Tebar before coming—he played in the country—and he told me what it was all about."
Join our new WhatsApp community __and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our _Privacy Notice.