Francis Coquelin reveals former Arsenal team-mate Santi Cazorla helped him quit the Gunners, by talking up Valencia
French midfielder swapped North London for Spain in a £12m move this month, with ex-La Liga man Cazorla a key cog
FRANCIS COQUELIN has revealed former Arsenal team-mate Santi Cazorla helped him quit the Gunners, by talking up Valencia.
The French midfielder, 26, swapped North London for Spain in a £12million move this month, with ex-La Liga man Cazorla a key cog.
Coquelin made his La Liga debut in a 2-1 win over Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday after leaving the Premier League.
On his move, Coquelin said: "First and foremost, I had great feedback from Santi Cazorla on the coach, Marcelino.
"After training, the coach told me about his great ambitions, to build a great European team.
"And he also told me about the family-like atmosphere at the club. I am arriving with no particular status.
"I know Geoffrey Kondogbia and Dani Parejo are two high level players there. It is up to me to get to that level."
Coquelin also revealed he had a long talk with Arsene Wenger before opting to leave Arsenal.
TIME TO GO Five players each of the Premier League top six need to sell this January, including Theo Walcott and Daniel Sturridge
The Frenchman claimed: ‘We had a very healthy discussion together,’ said the midfielder.
"He is someone who I respect immensely. I told him what I thought, he told me what he thought, and he understood.
MORE FOOTBALL FEATURES
"The only thing was that I didn’t want to go on loan. I really wanted to start something new. This was perfect.
"I spent amazing years at Arsenal. It’s the club that gave me my chance, I will never forget that. It is difficult to leave.
"Yes, I was playing matches, but not necessarily the most important ones, I still need to grow."