The defender will not be able to take part in the clash of Saint-Etienne with Paris Saint-German, to his great frustration
William Saliba claims to have a “crush” on Arsenal as the defender now looks forward to officially joining the Gunners after completing his loan spell with Saint-Etienne.
Saliba signed with Arsenal in July 2019 while the Gunners completed a £ 25 million ($ 32 million) deal to acquire the French teenager from Saint-Etienne
As part of that deal, the defender would have been returned on loan to the Ligue 1 team for the 2019-20 campaign, while continuing to make 12 Ligue 1 appearances this season.
Now, with the Ligue 1 season over, Saliba can look forward to her dream move to London for the 2020-21 campaign.
Reflecting on the loan spell, Saliba says he is happy to be able to spend another season with Saint-Etienne, allowing him to prepare mentally and physically for what will be a great leap in a club like Arsenal after overcoming the problems of injury with the French side.
“I fell in love with Arsenal from the beginning,” he said The group. “A number of French players have been there.
“Arsenal have not been at the top of their game for the past three, four years. But like Saint-Etienne, its badge, history and fans made me want.
“I have a crush on Arsenal. What it gives off speaks to me. I have no hesitation. I am discovering another world.”
He added: “After a good first season with 19 games (with Saint-Etienne), I have to confirm my potential. I was not ready to go to Arsenal yet. But I was unlucky because I suffered a year of injuries.
“It was really difficult when I wasn’t able to play in very important games, particularly in the Europa League. At least, it mentally shaped me and showed what I could face in the future.”
Manager Claude Puel recently revealed that Saliba would have missed the upcoming Coupe de France final as the defender played his last game for the club.
However, Saliba will be present on Friday while Saint-Etienne will face Paris Saint-Germain in the final, giving him a final closing touch despite his unhappiness for not having been able to play one last time.
“I couldn’t miss this. Since I’m not able to play, I at least want to hear this final as much as possible by supporting my team in the stadium,” he said.
“In front of the TV, it would not be the same. It was important for me to be there, hoping to see Les Verts win. It will also allow me to say goodbye to my teammates correctly. Because I left as I was a thief .
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“It would have been my first final, my second year as a professional. Of course, I hope to play other finals, but you’re never sure of anything.
“Besides, it would have been my last game with the team that formed me. I hoped, hoped. Really. Even when it became impossible.
“The two clubs went out of their way to make me play. But they didn’t reach an agreement. I was very disappointed.”
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