Dani Ceballos has admitted that he enjoyed his time in England but the La Liga is better for his style of play, suggesting that a return to the Premier League is unlikely.
The Spanish midfielder spent two years in north London and helped Arsenal to win the FA Cup for a record 14th time. However, despite a few excellent performances - especially in the latter stages of that successful cup run - he ultimately failed to bring much-needed consistency to Arsenal’s midfield.
Ceballos’ second season with the club went badly as the Gunners missed out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
Little talk of a permanent transfer followed as Ceballos made it clear to the club that he was keen on returning to Real Madrid.
The 24-year-old previously stated that living in England felt lonely at times, which was the ‘worst’ part of his experience.
"I’m starting with the worst… The remoteness and how difficult it is to enjoy your family on a day-to-day basis, something that is very important to me," he told Spanish newspaper AS earlier this month.
However, he has since looked back on his time in England with fondness, and has declared that La Liga is simply better for his style of play.
Speaking to Marca, via Football Espana, Ceballos said: “I have a lot of love for all the Arsenal fans.
“It has been an unforgettable experience. I have been in a very competitive and physical league, but for me, La Liga is better, it’s a slower rhythm, with more possession and more creativity.
“I adapted to England because I have the legs, but it’s a constant back and forth. This is why La Liga is better for me.”
The former Arsenal man is currently away with the Spain Olympics squad as they prepare for this summer’s Tokyo games but he will return to Madrid shortly after the competition and will be hoping to impress new boss, Carlo Ancelotti.
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