Hector Bellerin has lived up to his promise to "win things with Real Betis " after leaving Arsenal in search of silverware and a new challenge last summer.
The Spaniard, 27, returned to his homeland on loan in August and has spent a productive season plying his trade in Seville. He has made 31 appearances in all competitions, the latest of which came as Betis won the Copa del Rey for the third time in their history with victory over Valencia on Saturday.
Bellerin provided the assist for Broja Igelsias' opening goal with a pinpoint cross and played the full 120 minutes after Hugo Duro's equaliser took the game to extra-time and penalties. The right-back was not called on to take a spot kick in the shootout but Betis' triumph was sealed as Juan Miranda converted following Yunus Musah's miss for Valencia.
The triumph in the Copa del Rey marks the fourth major honour of Bellerin's career, adding to the three FA Cups he has won during his lengthy stint on Arsenal's books. He was a mainstay in the Gunners line-up towards the end of Arsene Wenger's tenure but struggled to cement himself in the starting XI under Unai Emery or Mikel Arteta.
While Bellerin wore the captain's armband on occasion last season, it proved to be a campaign to forget for the North Londoners, who finished trophyless having failed to secure European football for the first time in 25 years. Consequently, the former Barcelona academy prospect decided the time was right to pursue a new challenge a decade on from when he arrived at the Emirates.
Upon joining Betis for the season, Bellerin - who is under contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2023 - appeared to aim a subtle jibe over the bleak situation at the club. He declared: "I've left Arsenal to win things with Real Betis. I'm not here for a holiday."
Have Arsenal missed Hector Bellerin this season? Have your say in the comments!
Remarkably, it has taken the player just eight months to make good on his vow of winning things with Los Verdiblancos, who are also performing well in La Liga and sit fifth in the table. Meanwhile, things are also looking up for his parent club, who have bounced back from their poor 2020/21 season emphatically.
Arteta has led the Gunners to fourth in the Premier League and they appear poised to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 2017. Arsenal enjoyed victories over two old adversaries last week, defeating Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and beating Manchester United 3-1 at the Emirates three days later.
