Kelechi Nwakali says Arsenal wanted him to stay as he revels in his La Liga debut

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is very proud to have played in his first La Liga game in Huesca 1-1 against Villarreal on Sunday.

The 22-year-old midfielder also revealed that it wasn’t an easy decision for him leaving Arsenal.

Kelechi Nwakali told of how he was told by Arsenal not to leave the club just yet despite the lack of work permit.

“It was difficult for me to leave because they (Arsenal) wanted me to stay,” Nwakali told Tribalfootball.

“But at the same time, I needed to get a place where I can call my home, where I can continue to develop my game.”

Nwakali who was re-united with his friend and FIFA U-17 team-mate Samuel Chukwueze in his first career La Liga game said it was ‘a dream come through for him.’

“What convinced me was after the club went to the second league.

“They had the main aim to gain promotion back, the never gave up the dream to come back to the highest league, the club was still fighting to come up and promotion was achieved.

“It was a dream come through and playing in La Liga will also help to develop my game and I think I’m justified with that choice to play for Huesca.”

He further mentioned how his manager Miguel Ángel Sánchez Muñoz, known as Míchel a former Spanish International has helped him to develop as a player.

“I have good relationship with the coach. He always talk to me after every training on where to improve and get better as a player.

“The position I play is comfortable for me. It shows more of my qualities and I really appreciate him for helping me to adjust to his own philosophy of football.

“I felt comfortable playing. You know Segunda football is difficult because every team wants to promote,” he continued.

“No game came easy and it is a league that toughens a player for the bigger challenges in the highest league in Spain.”