Stephan Lichtsteiner has revealed why he elected to turn down “five other clubs” in order to sign for Arsenal during the summer (via Daily Star).
He hasn’t featured as much as some of the other summer signings at the club but it’s clear that Stephan Lichtsteiner has a lot to offer Arsenal.
The former Juventus man is one of the most experienced players in the squad and now he has revealed what led to his summer move to the Emirates.
“I could have changed to five other clubs in the summer, knowing that I would certainly play 47 out of 50 serious matches,” Lichtsteiner told the Swiss publication Sportal.
“It doesn’t irritate me, as in 2011, when I moved to Juventus, I wanted to join a big club.
“I was looking for a demanding challenge in a new league.”For a long time, Lichtsteiner was the first-choice right-back at Juventus but is now challenging Hector Bellerin for the starting spot, something he relished.
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“That’s why I knew from the very beginning at Arsenal that I had to fight for the regular spot against Hector Bellerin.
“It is quite unusual for me to be a substitute. Three games in a row [on the bench], that’s never happened to me.
“If you have achieved a lot in your career, you have high expectations of yourself and want to play but I also know that I will get the chance to play games.”
Lichtsteiner is now 35 years old and was asked whether he had any plans to retire.
“If I have to admit that I can not keep the level of the last few years, then it is time. For me, stepping down has never been up for debate.
“If I have to admit that I can not keep the level of the last few years, then it is time. But then I will not only resign from the Swiss national team but finish my career.
“Based purely on performance data I have the physicality of a 28-year-old.”
It’s true that Stephan Lichtsteiner plays like someone a lot younger than 35 years old. He has the physical fitness of a much younger player and if he keeps that up then there is no reason why he can’t keep playing for another couple of years. Let’s hope that is the case because he has the perfect attitude and experience to help the club and its players.
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