Hector Bellerin has lived up to his promise to 'win things with Real Betis' after departing Arsenal in search of silverware last summer. Bellerin, 27, returned to his homeland on loan in August and has played an influential part in Manuel Pellegrini's side rise this season.
The right-back has made 31 appearances and assisted five goals to help Betis to fifth in La Liga, only four points behind Atletico Madrid. On Saturday, Bellerin played the full 120 minutes as Betis won their third Copa del Rey title with a penalty shoot-out victory over Valencia.
The Spaniard provided the assist for Broja Igelsias' opening goal, but they were forced to go to extra-time after Hugo Duro's equaliser in the first half. The former Arsenal man wasn't called upon to take a spot kick, but team-mate Juan Miranda was the hero after Valencia's Yunus Musah failed to convert from 12 yards out.
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Winning Spain's domestic cup final means Bellerin now has fourth major honours in his career after lifting three FA Cups with Arsenal. However, after being a regular in the Gunners line-up under Arsene Wenger, starts were hard to come by for Bellerin under Unai Emery and then Mikel Arteta, forcing his hand to search for football elsewhere.
Consequently, Bellerin made the decision to call time on his career at the Emirates Stadium to pursue a new challenge after a decade at the club, joining Betis on loan.
Back in the summer, Bellerin stated his ambitions for his move back to his home nation and appeared to aim a subtle jibe over the situation at Arsenal. He said: "I've left Arsenal to win things with Real Betis. I'm not here for a holiday."
Whilst it has only taken Bellerin eight months to fulfil his promise of winning things with Los Verdiblancos, the situation at his parent club have improved following their disappointing 2020/21 season. With five games remaining, Arteta's men sit fourth in the Premier League and they look set to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since 2017 after recovering from three straight defeats and beating Chelsea and Manchester United.
