Hector Bellerin and Arsenal are both experiencing an exciting time in European football.
The Spain international – who left Arsenal in 2022 after racking up 239 appearances for the Gunners – is one game away from the UEFA Conference League final, after Real Betis secured a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of the semi-final.
In regards to Arsenal – who promoted the defender from Hale End in 2013 after taking him from Barcelona in 2011 – Mikel Arteta has a chance to take the Gunners into the UEFA Champions League final, if a 1-0 deficit can be overturned against PSG.
Interestingly, Arsenal could actually meet Barcelona for a repeat of the 2006 final.
The Spanish giants are level with Inter Milan heading into the second leg after a 3-3 thriller, and Hector Bellerin has now shared who he would prefer to win the competition between his two former sides.
Hector Bellerin chooses between Arsenal and Barcelona
The 30-year-old has now revealed he would prefer to see Arsenal win the UEFA Champions League, despite being born in Barcelona and spending eight years in La Masia.
Spanish news outlet AS quote Bellerin as saying: “My heart leans a little more toward Arsenal. I hate to say it, but… the nice thing would be for both of them to reach the final and for them to decide between themselves.”
The Real Betis No.2 might be basing this slight preference for Arsenal on a bad experience at Barcelona.
Bellerin – who Ian Wright loves – also alluded to a sour ending to his time in Catalonia as a child, adding: “I left Barca in a very bad way. Those of us who decided to leave were treated very badly. One day I will speak and name names.”
The right-back has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Real Betis so far this season as injuries continue to trouble his career, providing two assists.
No hard feelings towards Mikel Arteta from Hector Bellerin despite Arsenal release
Arteta was in charge when Arsenal took the decision to release Bellerin back in September 2022 for him to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Despite that, the Hale End graduate still admires the 43-year-old.
Bellerin hailed Arteta, telling Sky Sports in November 2023: “Mikel is such a great coach, he’s been my teammate and he was great. He’s a wonderful coach and I’m glad they’re finding the way to play that the coach has always wanted.
“He’s found the right players and he’s found the support from the fans again. He’s a coach that is always constantly learning and I think that’s what’s good about him. He’s able to adapt and learn from his mistakes. He’s able to become a new Arteta every season.”
Hopefully, Arsenal can make Bellerin proud and win the UEFA Champions League for the very first time.
