Zinchenko praised Arteta, saying the vision and character of the former Man City assistant coach attracted him to the Spaniard
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ukraine captain, Oleksandr Zinchenko has revealed the reason he left Premier League (PL) champions, Manchester City for the league leaders, Arsenal.
According to the 26-year-old defender, Gunners gaffer, Mikel Arteta was the driving force behind his decision to move from the Etihad to the Emirates stadium.
Zinchenko made this known while talking to Sky Sports, where he claimed the Spaniard was the only PL manager who could convince him to leave his old club.
The versatile Ukrainian left Pep Guardiola’s side along with Brazil striker, Gabriel Jesus to reunited with Arteta at Arsenal last summer after completing a £32m move.
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While eulogising the former Man City assistant coach’s prowess, Zinchenko hailed Arteta, saying his vision and character attracted him.
He said: ” ‘I said many times one day if I am going to leave City and stay in the Premier League it will be [for] only one manager, which is him.
“The way he sees football, his vision, his character, he is a winner. That is what I like the most from people.
“Obviously he knew me as a player and a person when he called me, I had a couple of conversations before I joined Arsenal.
“He told me what he wants to see from me, the club’s vision, the club’s plan and strategy. I liked everything of that and that is why I came.”
Zinchenko established himself as Arsenal’s first choice left back ahead of Kieran Tierney after an injury prone start.
He has also started 21 of the 22 Premier League matches he has been available for this season.
The Ukrainian who has won four Premier League titles with Man City, will be looking to lift the trophy for the first time with Arsenal at the end of the campaign.
