‘He’s one of the great ones,’ Ian Wright says of the 27-year-departure old’s from Arsenal this summer.

Arsenal legend Ian Wright has stated that he was very disappointed to see Hector Bellerin leave the club this summer to join Barcelona.

Mikel Arteta has been without the Spanish full-back for some time. He was loaned to Real Betis at the start of last season and was heavily linked with a return to the Benito Villamarn Stadium in the recently concluded transfer window.

However, Betis just couldn’t afford to sign him in the end, and Barcelona stepped up. The Catalans agreed to sign Bellerin if Arsenal terminated his contract, and the Gunners obliged on transfer deadline day.

Wright has now expressed his sadness about the 27-year-old’s departure.

Ian Wright says he was ‘sad’ to see Hector Bellerin leave Arsenal

Wright addressed Bellerin’s departure in the latest episode of the Wrighty’s House podcast.

He said: “If I’m going to be totally honest, I was desperate for him to go to Betis. But obviously, they can’t afford him. I just hope he could go there (Barcelona) and just have a nice realization, play well and do great.

“He’s one of the great ones I think, for us (Arsenal), in respect of a club servant and the way he was. The injuries took their toll on him, that knee, that was a horrible one.

“I really, really am so sad to see him go. You just want him to be happy, I want him to have happiness, he deserves it.”

It is sad for every Arsenal fan to see Bellerin leave the club, but it was the best move for all parties.

After the Spaniard decided to look for a new challenge last year, the Gunners went and signed Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japan international became a fan favorite at the Emirates, and he’s a truly magnificent player.

Following William Saliba’s return to the club this summer, Mikel Arteta moved Ben White to right-back. The Englishman looked impressive there, which meant there was no place for Bellerin in the squad even if he wanted to stay at the club.

A move to Barcelona is a great one for Bellerin. If he can stay fit and play consistently, there’s no doubt that he’ll be a top player for them this season.