William Saliba Admits It Was ‘Really, Really Hard’ to Miss Arsenal’s Title Run-In
William Saliba has been a key part of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side since his debut in 2022/23. The 22-year-old centre-back played almost every minute of the first 27 league games but suffered a back injury in the Europa League loss to Sporting Lisbon in March which ended his season early. In his absence, Arsenal’s form deteriorated and they were unable to win the Premier League title, leaving Saliba to reflect on what could have been.
“Honestly, it was so, so, so hard to let my team play without me. Football is like this but it was really, really hard to not help my team in these moments,” Saliba said. “It was very hard because it was the last two months. It’s the moment when every game is so important. It was really, really hard, but you know when you have an injury, you have to learn and come back stronger.”
Saliba is now nearly recovered from the injury and has signed a new long-term contract with the club after speculation suggested he could leave. He is eager to get back on the pitch and help Arsenal achieve their goals this season.
“I’m so happy and I want to thank everyone in the club. I spoke with the coach, with Edu, with my agent, but it was an easy decision to extend my contract and that’s it. I think we can achieve everything. Of course, it’s easy to say this, but we have the coach, we have the character, we have the players and every year the team gets stronger. We have better players with a good mentality,” Saliba said.
The Arsenal faithful will be hoping that Saliba can stay fit and help the Gunners achieve success this season. With his leadership at the back and his ability to read the game, Saliba could be the difference between Arsenal competing for silverware or falling short once again.
Saliba is not the only player who will be looking to make an impact this season. With the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli all set to return from injury, Arsenal will have a strong squad capable of challenging for trophies.
The Gunners will also be looking to make some new signings in the transfer window to bolster their squad. Mikel Arteta has already signed Thomas Partey and Willian this summer and will be hoping to add more quality to his side before the window closes.
With a strong squad and a manager in Mikel Arteta who knows how to get the best out of his players, Arsenal fans will be hoping that this season will be one to remember. William Saliba will be key to their success and if he can stay fit and help the Gunners achieve their goals this season, he will be remembered as a hero at the Emirates Stadium.