Hector Bellerin took his first steps away from Arsenal this summer when he left for Real Betis on loan but why did he really want to leave Arsenal where he was adored?

Arsenal's Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta (L) and Spanish defender Hector Bellerin (R) attend a training session at the London Colney, North London, on November 3, 2014, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group D football match between Arsenal and Anderlecht. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK (Photo credit should read GLYN KIRK/AFP/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder Mikel Arteta (L) and Spanish defender Hector Bellerin (R) attend a training session at the London Colney, North London, on November 3, 2014, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League Group D football match between Arsenal and Anderlecht. AFP PHOTO/GLYN KIRK 

Speaking to the press before Arsenal’s showdown against Norwich City in the Premier League, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s transfer business this summer.

The topic of players leaving naturally came up and Hector Bellerin’s name was top of that list.

So why did the right-back want to leave?

“To find someone like Hector is not easy, he’s been raised here with us and is loved by everyone at the football club,” Arteta said.

“I had to say goodbye with sadness but at the same time, I had to understand his position.

“He needed a new challenge, he’s needed a new challenge for a while now. After discussions for a long time we decided to let him go because it was the right thing for him as well.

“He always told me about playing one day at Betis, we had talked about it,” he added.

Bellerin has also been speaking about his decision, stressing that football is not just about money.

He elaborated further, saying, “Many things are talked about in the market and my father always said that he had to go to Betis, that dream was fulfilled and he is a person who lived it since he was little, and who has instilled it in everyone.

“For me, having that very good relationship with him and being able to make him happy, with a dream, makes me very excited.

“I wanted the sun and heat, but I didn’t come here on vacation, but to fight for my position.”

Bellerin was also asked if he would like to stay with Real Betis beyond this season and he replied, “What there is, is what there is, let’s see how everything goes. To enjoy, football, training and the city.”

Bellerin is under contract with Arsenal until 2023.