Illan Meslier says his time in exile at Leeds United helped him develop as a goalkeeper but now he wants to prove he should have been playing.
Meslier has made a surprise free transfer move to Arsenal after his Leeds career stopped in its tracks in March 2025.
With David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga in situ, it is unclear if the 26-year-old Frenchman has arrived to replace or compete with the latter, but it is clear he will have to be a good squad man.
"Last season was a special year, strangely for me," said Meslier, who made an impressive Leeds debut away to Arsenal in the 2019-20 FA Cup.
"Unfortunately this happens a lot in the career of players but I never gave up. I kept working hard every day in training, always being ready for the players who needed help, to work on their weaknesses and strengths.
"I worked a lot mentally because I just have a different perspective of football training.
"It helped me a lot personally and I just want to give everything and show that my value is still high and Arsenal did a great job to take me.
WATCHING BRIEF: Goalkeeper Illan Meslier did not play in his last 14 months at Leeds United (Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)placeholder image
WATCHING BRIEF: Goalkeeper Illan Meslier did not play in his last 14 months at Leeds United (Image: Ed Sykes/Getty Images)
"This year I want to show that I want to play.
"David is an extremely good keeper, I love his style of play. I'm really excited to see the backstage of his work because I've just seen him on a matchday and if I can I will receive some tips for him, it will be more than welcome."