Jon Toral joined Arsenal with dreams of emulating Cesc Fabregas, but his path would take him down a different route.
In an alternative world, the now 29-year-old, who plies his trade with City Football Group side Mumbai City, could have been the one wearing the captains' armband for Mikel Arteta. Back in 2011, Toral faced a pivotal choice - stay with Barcelona or venture to north London.
Inspired by Fabregas' own switch from the Nou Camp to Highbury as a youngster, Toral thought he could make a name for himself at the Emirates Stadium. His journey at Arsenal didn't mirror Fabregas', due to limited first-team action.
Now he is chasing silverware in India, having arrived in Mumbai in the summer. In a recent interview with Relovo, Toral looked back on his move and admitted his expectations may have been too lofty.
He 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.
"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."
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 of Arsenal in 2011 (Image: 2011 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Toral's football journey diverged significantly from that of his friend Hector Bellerin. Despite being part of Arsenal and Barcelona's youth setups, Toral found himself on a path of loan spells with Brentford, Birmingham City, Granada, and Rangers before making a permanent move to Hull City in 2017 - he never made a senior appearance for Arsenal.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Toral 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 has now set his sights on securing a trophy with Mumbai City, having joined the club in the summer after a three-year stint with OFI Crete FC in Greece. His decision to move to Asia was influenced by factors beyond football, seeking a holistic experience that includes personal growth and security, backed by City Football Group's support.
Explaining his decision, 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."