'They Didn't Want Me To Leave' - Kelechi Nwakali Explains Why He Left Arsenal Last Summer

Former Flying Eagles captain Kelechi Nwakali has opened up on the circumstances of his departure from English Premier League side Arsenal just before the close of the summer transfer window in September 2019.

The 2015 U17 World Cup Golden Ball winner departed the Gunners without making a single competitive appearance for the first team because of a work permit issue.

With four loan spells under his belt at MVV Maastricht (2), VVV Venlo and Porto, Nwakali admitted that he was frustrated not having a place to call home as he was being shipped out on loan every season.

Nwakali joined Arsenal on a five-year deal in 2016 for a fee of £2.5 million to be shared at 65:35 ratio with ASJ Academy due the lesser sum and Diamond Academy getting the lion's share.

In an Instagram conversation with Eagles Tracker monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Nwakali stated : "The deal was even done the last day of the transfer window, they didn't want me to leave but at the same time I was giving them reasons why I should leave Arsenal.

"Staying in England and not playing, going on loan, I went on loan three times.

"It's better I go to a place where I can settle instead of going to a place after one year I'll leave, go to another place, it was difficult moving around, from Netherlands then Portugal.

"Even if it's going to take time, I'll work it out, I have still got age on my side."

Kelechi Nwakali is now at Spanish Segunda Division promotion hopefuls SD Huesca, with whom he signed a contract for three years.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel