Arsenal completed the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizbalaga from Chelsea on a £5 million deal that will see him adorn the red and white for three years. The former Real Madrid man was in his words “happy” to be joining the Gunners.
Having his first interview with the club media, Kepa revealed a lot about himself and the reason he decided to join the Gunners. The Spainard who was excited revealed that his parents got him his first ever glove at a very young age. He narrated;
We would walk past this sports shop near our home, and every time we passed it I would say: ‘I want the gloves, I want the glooooves!’ In the end they [my parents] gave in.
The pair they bought were way too large, but I had already fallen in love. When they offered to change them for a smaller pair, I said, “No! I want these!” And then I went to training with gloves that went up to my elbows.
The most expensive goalkeeper in football history had joined Spanish side Athletic Club Bilbao at age 9 and would eventually start training with the first team of Bilbao at 16 before making his full debut at 21 in September, 2016.
The two times UEFA Champions League winner revealed that he studies the likes of Iker Casillas, Manuel Neuer and ex-Gunner Petr Cech in order to master his own game. Petr Cech was technical director at Chelsea during Kepa’s time at Stamford Bridge, who was keen to lean on him for advice. Kepa recalled their encounter saying;
We spoke every day, as he’s around here at Cobham. We speak about everything, he’s always close to the goalkeepers.
Softfootball had yesterday shared that Kepa believes that Arsenal were closer to winning titles than ever. The Spanish international goalkeeper joined the club from rival club, Chelsea after spending last season on loan at Bournemouth where he made 35 appearances in all competitions as the Cherries almost finished in continental spot.
The vastly traveled and experienced shot stopper has won major honours for clubs and his country and also has over a hundred Premier League appearances which was key to Arsenal wanting him in their team ahead of the new season.
