'Arsene Wenger wanted me to stay at Arsenal, but a signing pushed me away' says Super Eagles star

Super Eagles defender and Former Arsenal youngster Semi Ajayi has tell the reason behind his departure from Arsenal football club.





Ajayi who joined Arsenal as a teenager excel for the Gunners youth teams and also captained Arsenal Under 23 before leaving for regular playing time.




When he was with Arsenal, Ajayi was understudying Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny before the Gunners eventually signed Gabriel Paulista from Spanish Laliga. Ajayi was then sent out on loan from Arsenal to the English championship clubs like Cardiff city and Rotherham United before departing Arsenal.




In a chat with West Bromwich Albion official website, Semi Ajayi said:

“I got close to the first team. At one stage I was first understudy behind Mertesacker and Koscielny but they then bought Gabriel Paulista in the January."




Ajayi concluded by praising former Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, as he called him an honest man who wanted him to stay with the Gunners but he had to leave for regular playing time.

“Arsene Wenger was very honest with me in that he said he wanted me to stay and develop but he couldn’t offer me first-team football at that point."




Ajayi has been enjoying his game in the English championship since joining West Bromwich Albion and he has cemented his position by playing almost all matches for the Baggies and scoring goals. His club's form has made him Gernot Rohr's favourite in the Super Eagles defense.

Do you think Semi Ajayi was right to leave Arsenal when Arsene Wenger persuaded him to stay?