Martin Zubimendi has spoken about life at Arsenal, working under Mikel Arteta and Spain’s chances at the World Cup in an interview that offered an insight into his first season in north London.
The midfielder joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer and quickly established himself as a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s side.
Despite Arsenal’s Premier League title success and run to the Champions League final, Zubimendi admitted there were periods during the campaign when he had to accept a reduced role.
The Spain international featured heavily throughout the season but saw his minutes decrease during the closing weeks of the campaign.
Reflecting on that situation, Zubimendi insisted he never allowed it to affect his mindset.
“I think it’s natural,” he said.
“I’ve also seen other teammates play less despite being incredibly talented.”
“When a player is a little off their game, I understand that someone else has to play.”
He added: “Just because I’m playing less now doesn’t mean I’m a worse player.”
Zubimendi also revealed the qualities he appreciates most in Arteta after spending his first season under the Arsenal manager.
The midfielder described Arteta as a coach obsessed with details and constant improvement.
“He’s a perfectionist, in a good way, who pays attention to every detail,” Zubimendi explained. “They’re details that sometimes go unnoticed, but he analyses them and tries to take advantage of everything.”
The 27-year-old has also been adapting to life away from his hometown of San Sebastian following his move to England.
While he admitted there are aspects of home he misses, Zubimendi believes the change has been positive both professionally and personally.
“Ultimately, if you’re looking for a change, it’s because you want to experience new things,” he said.
The midfielder added that London has exceeded his expectations.
“It’s better than I expected because when the weather is nice and sunny, it’s a spectacular city.”
Away from football, Zubimendi revealed he has been using his spare time to improve his English and recently started learning to play the guitar.
The Arsenal star also explained why he felt the time was right to leave Real Sociedad after rejecting previous opportunities.
“When you realise you need a change, that you’ve stagnated a bit, not just in football but in life too, I think you just feel it,” he said. “It was my moment.”
Looking ahead to the World Cup, Zubimendi believes Spain are capable of going all the way after their European Championship triumph.
“If we’re one of the favourites, it’s because we’ve earned it,” he said.
He also highlighted the unity within Luis de la Fuente’s squad as Spain’s biggest strength.
“I think it’s very difficult, once you’ve had a success like the European Championship, to keep those egos grounded,” he admitted. “I think we’re managing it and that’s going to be a strength.”