Cristhian Mosquera
Image credit: Getty Images
Cristhian Mosquera has admitted he wished his departure from Valencia had been handled differently following his summer transfer to Arsenal.
The Spain U21 international joined the Gunners in July for an initial £13 million, with the deal potentially rising to £20m through add-ons. Having spent nearly a decade at Valencia, Mosquera’s exit drew criticism in Spain, with the club stating the defender had “unequivocally expressed” he would not sign a new contract.
Speaking to Spanish radio stationCadena SER, the 21-year-old defender opened up about the manner of his exit.
“It’s clear that when you leave what has been your home, you would like everything to be a little different,” Mosquera said. “Both the statement and the things that have come out. I’m never going to speak badly of Valencia because I’m a Valencianista and it’s a club that has given me everything.
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“I would have liked it to have been a little different, but sometimes in football you have to look out for yourself, and there will be parts that you understand and others that you don’t. I’m calm because every time I put on the Valencia shirt, I gave everything.”
Mosquera
Cristhian Mosquera against Liverpool (Image credit: Getty Images)
Mosquera made his Arsenal debut in August, coming on for Jurrien Timber in the 64th minute against Leeds United. Last weekend, he featured prominently in the Gunners’ 1-0 defeat to Liverpool, playing 85 minutes after replacing the injured William Saliba.
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Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta praised the signing, describing Mosquera as “one of the strongest young defenders in European football.”
“We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera,” Berta said. “He is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad.”
Manager Mikel Arteta echoed those sentiments, highlighting the youngster’s potential. “As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga,” Arteta said.
“He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides. He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad.”
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