Gnabry critical of Arsenal, move was ‘right decision’

Mark Scott
Serge Gnabry: In fine form for Werder Bremen

Serge Gnabry: In fine form for Werder Bremen

Serge Gnabry has said he has developed more in the four months since leaving Arsenal than he did in five years with them.

Gnabry joined Arsenal as a youth player in 2011, making his first-team debut a year later.

The winger found regular playing opportunities difficult to come by at the Emirates Stadium however, as he made just 18 appearances in all competitions in three seasons.

A season-long loan with West Brom followed in 2015/16, but he played just one Premier League game under Tony Pulis.

The 21-year-old was sold in the summer to Werder Bremen after failing to make his mark in north London, but he has already scored four goals in ten Bundesliga games with his new club.

Speaking to Kicker, he has explained why he chose to leave the Gunners.

“It was the right decision,” he said. “Everybody who compares my development over the last four months to my time in England before that can’t come to a different conclusion.

“That was the main reason for the transfer – I wanted to get more playing time and it worked. Arsenal wanted to keep me, badly. But I had to look after my development.

“If a player does not perform well, a club has no sympathy and they do not want to keep him.”