Nacho Monreal spoke with El Confidencial about his Arsenal career, playing for Spain and his plans for the future.

  • Monreal discusses the season just gone
  • He talks about playing for Spain and dreaming of playing in a World Cup
  • Monreal considers the possibility of returning to Spain one day

The Spanish full back has been at Arsenal for a few years now and has settled in as a reliable defender. Now in his 30s, Monreal is looking ahead to the upcoming World Cup and what the future holds for him.

On the season just gone…

“I am happy because I had the confidence of the manager and was important to his plans. The season ended well with the FA Cup win, a very important tournament to us as we’ve won it three times in the last four years.”

On missing out on Champions League football…

“It was tough to take because we’ve played in the Champions League for two decades in a row. Even though we got more points than last season we still missed out. We missed out because of our own failures. We had around two months where we dropped too many points.”

On how the season affected Arsene Wenger…

“The season wasn’t easy for him because he knows Arsenal can do better. But we’re all happy he’s renewed.”

On the “Wenger Out” messages…

“It’s hard to ignore. When we go out there we can see the banners and hear the chants. It affects us and doesn’t help anyone, but we have to live with it. We just have to focus on ourselves and improve.”

On being an undisputed starter at Arsenal…

“I feel important to the team and that the coach trusts me. Things can change because of new signings and my own performance, but right now I feel good.”

On if he’ll join Atheltic Bilbao or Osasuna if he returns to Spain…

“We have to talk about Athletic. They’re a unique club with a unique mentality, only signing Basque players. Osasuna is where I grew up and started. I would love to play there again one day. But right now, I’m focusing on Arsenal.”

On if playing centre back increases his chances of playing for Spain…

“I dream of playing in the World Cup. It’s an experience I haven’t had yet and really want to have. You have to maintain a high level if you want to play for Spain because there’s a lot of competition.

“If you aren’t playing well, the coach will select someone else. Playing as a centre back gives me a bigger chance, because although there are a lot of good centre backs, not many are left-footed.”

On if he feels important playing for Spain…

“At the moment, I feel good because I’ve been called up recently. But I have to work hard to keep my spot and take any opportunities that come.”