Arsenal legend Robert Pires has revealed he advised Hector Bellerin to leave the north London side and sign for Real Betis on loan.
Bellerin who signed for Arsenal in 2011 from the Barcelona academy joined Betis on loan during the summer transfer window on a season-long loan spell. The Spaniard had been finding playing time hard to come by at the Emirates, but he has featured regularly at Betis this season.
Speaking to Livescore, Pires revealed Bellerin sought advice from him regarding playing under manager Manuel Pellegrini.
“Hector Bellerin has had a good impact at Real Betis. He’s a professional,” he said.
“For him, at the end with Arsenal it was difficult to find a position, so he chose to join LaLiga, especially Real Betis. He called me and asked me about the manager, Manuel Pellegrini, who was my manager at Villarreal.”
“I said Hector, look, if you have the opportunity to play with Pellegrini you need to go, because you will enjoy it.”
On experience
“The most important thing is to enjoy your football. Not just playing the game itself, of course, that’s important. But also, every morning, being at Real Betis, going into the club.”
“Hector Bellerin has a lot of experience at a high level and I’m happy for him that he is at Real Betis.”
