Hector Bellerin has heaped praise on Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who has replaced him in Mikel Arteta's starting XI this season.
Bellerin made it clear that he wanted to play for Spanish side Real Betis this season, who he supported growing up before completing a season-long loan move to the La Liga outfit.
The Gunners opted to replace him with Japan international Tomiyasu, signing the 23-year-old from Serie A side Bologna for a reported £16million back on transfer deadline.
The versatile full-back has hit the ground running in north London and Bellerin has admitted he has been impressed by his replacement whilst also claiming that he still watches Arteta's side as much as he can.
Speaking on Ian Wright’s Spotify podcast Wrighty’s House, he said: "Arsenal are doing amazing and that makes me so happy. The player they got in my position – Tomiyasu – he is doing great. No hard feelings.
“It is beautiful to see because I still watch every game and I want the guys to do well. It’s how football goes. You need to see when it is your time and when it is not.
“I always said to the club if I leave this place I don’t want to leave you guys without anyone in my position or in a position when you guys can’t be in the best terms.
“I want the best for all of us. I have been at Arsenal for 10 years and I love this place. It worked out for everyone and that’s what truly shows me it was the right thing to do.
“It makes me happy to see the boys doing well.”
