Arsenal squad man admits he does not know reason for Arteta snubs
Arsenal defender Cedric Soares has vowed to fight for more opportunities in the first team as he waits for a first Premier League appearance of the season.
The right-back joined the Gunners in January from fellow Premier League side Southampton. A Euro 2016 winner with Portugal, his stock had fallen in recent years due to injuries.
However, Arsenal gave him a chance to prove himself again in the English top flight, before signing him on a permanent deal in the summer.
Things have not gone to plan for the 29-year-old since then, though. He is yet to feature in the Premier League for Arsenal this season.
Hector Bellerin is currently the first-choice right-back at the Emirates Stadium, leaving it hard for Cedric to break his way into the fold.
Cedric has found more joy in the Europa League, and is keen to make the most of any opportunities he is given by Mikel Arteta.
He said (via One Football): “I am paid to play so of course we want to be part of it, in there every game.
“This is what I am training for, this is what I try to do when I have the chance, I feel good, I am in a good moment, I am confident.
“So when I have the opportunity I need to make the best out of it every time and this is how I think.
“When I came here to Arsenal, I had a few injuries and didn’t play straight away but since then I have been giving 100 per cent every training session, every game I have played.
“You know better than me by watching the game, when I have opportunities one thing is for sure, I will give 100 per cent.”
Cedric not sure what has changed
As he mentioned, last season Cedric struggled with injuries, but still managed to make five appearances in the Premier League.
He admits he does not know why he is getting fewer chances under Arteta this term.
“What has changed? I don’t know, but I grew up like this, I have to fight for everything I get, it is normal to do my best in every training session so I am ready for the coach.
“When he wants to use me, I am here, I am ready for the team and to support my team-mates as well. The most important thing is we achieve good things in the season.”
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