'I struggled' - Arsenal star issues verdict on exit rumours and his form so far
One Arsenal star has been discussing summer talk that suggested he would leave the club.
Arsenal star Leandro Trossard has responded to rumours that he could have left the club in the summer. The Belgian has been an important player for the Gunners over the last couple of years, usually filling in out wide for one of Gabriel Martinelli or Bukayo Saka, while he has also played in the attacking midfield role in the absence of Martin Odegaard.
But with the arrival of Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze, many felt as though Trossard could be expended given that, on paper, it looked as though it would be difficult for him to get game time, while his contract also needed to be addressed - and it since has been.
But not only has Trossard been plenty involved, but he has also been in very good form. The creative midfielder has two goals and two assists in eight appearances across all competitions, and he is proving that he still has a big part to play in Arteta’s squad.
While on international duty with Belgium, Trossard was asked if an exit was close at any point during the summer, and he replied: “There are always rumours like that. Leaving has never really been an option. I feel very good at Arsenal. At the beginning of the season, I struggled a bit with an injury. I think those rumours arose because of the lack of minutes."
He continued: “I've had some good weeks, both individually and with Arsenal.I'm finally a fit footballer again, a player in top form. I'm very happy about that. I've played a lot in recent weeks, I've done my thing, and I feel good about that."
Trossard kick-started his season by coming ff the bench and scoring against Athletic Club in the Champions League. Arteta said after that one: "Something that we always discuss is that the finishers have to impact the game, and Gabi and Leo came on to make the difference for the team.
"They were outstanding and the rest of the team as well. In many moments, they were at a very good level. It means that [Gabi and Leo] are connected and they feel that they are really, really important. We have discussed that a lot. We're going to need that.”
Belgium’s qualification hopes
Belgium are currently competing in the World Cup qualifiers, and they are in second place in their group, one point behind North Macedonia and goal difference ahead of Wales with a game in-hand over both.
They face North Macedonia on Friday and Wales on Monday with a chance to take full control of top spot, which is the only automatic qualification position.
"It's up to us to win on Friday and go to Wales with a good feeling," Trossard added. "North Macedonia also has quality. We can't underestimate them so we have to try to kill the game off as quickly as possible. If we believe in it, it will happen."
Belgium’s qualification campaign will be wrapped up November when they play their final two games.
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