Bellerin on his London days: “Leaving Arsenal is scary, it hurts; I owe Arteta so much”
He was born in Catalonia. He spent eight years in Barcelona’s academy, La Masia. Still, Hector Bellerin is Arsenal through and through. A genuine Gunner.After two years in the North London club’s youth categories, the defender enjoyed a seven-year spell at the Emirates Stadium – aside from two loan stints at Watford and Real Betis – and became one of Arsenal’s most beloved players of the 21st century.The Gunners’ faithful quickly accepted him as one of their own, and he has never stopped giving that love back. Even now, four years after leaving the club, while proudly wearing the Betis shirt, his affection for Arsenal remains as strong as ever.One of our own, Héctor Bellerín, holding the Arsenal Champions flag with some Arsenal fans at Dublin Airport. ✈️❤️Once a Gunner, always a Gunner. 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/xZBqeSpNgA— Kristdaniel (@krist_AFC) August 7, 2026 In an interview with The Guardian, Bellerin touched on his London days, recalled some fond memories, and discussed the impact Mikel..