After 10 months of what he describes as “frustration and self doubt at Arsenal”, Kieran Tierney is embarking on a new footballing journey with Real Sociedad.

In a candid interview, the 26-year-old Scot lays bare his sentiments about the move and his aspirations for the season ahead.

  • Kieran Tierney discusses his emotional departure from Arsenal and his positive early experiences at Real Sociedad.
  • Tierney emphasises the importance of language learning as part of his adaptation to life in Spain.
  • In the wake of his first La Liga match, Tierney looks ahead to future challenges, including matches against football giants and the issue of regaining full match fitness.
Arsenal's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney looks on after his shirt was torn during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and FC Zurich at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on November 3, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney looks on after his shirt was torn during the UEFA Europa League Group A football match between Arsenal and FC Zurich at The Arsenal Stadium in London, on November 3, 2022. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

A fresh start for Kieran Tierney

Kieran Tierney has found a new lease of life at Real Sociedad after a period of unrest at Arsenal.

And, as he reveals, his departure from Arsenal was fraught with emotion.

“I endured 10 months of frustration and self doubt at Arsenal,” he told SunSport.

He further stressed that he has “nothing but great regard and affection for the Gunners.”

From the bench at Arsenal to the pitch in La Liga

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal pushes Cole Palmer of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Kieran Tierney of Arsenal pushes Cole Palmer of Manchester City during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The 26-year-old endured a difficult time at the Emirates Stadium, sitting on the bench for an extended period and even disappearing from the squad list at some points.

Tierney has already made his La Liga debut, and he’s more than happy. “I’m buzzing to have played my first La Liga game,” he said.

Turning the page: Basque adventure begins

Mundo Deportivo, 27 August 2023
Mundo Deportivo, 27 August 2023

His arrival at the Basque club comes on the back of a 5-3 victory over Granada, where he featured for 69 minutes.

His former Arsenal captain, Martin Odegaard, has been instrumental in helping him settle in.

“My Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who has played for the club, was able to tell me everything about the club and the city. He thinks it’s a great move for me. Martin’s been a massive help,” he stated.

Looking ahead: Upcoming challenges

After the international break, Tierney is slated to face Real Madrid at the Bernabeu and then Inter Milan in the Champions League.

He acknowledges that learning the local language will be an important part of his integration process, as he strives to communicate better with his team-mates.

“Learning the language as best I can is very important. It’s about showing respect to everyone,” Tierney said.

He also disclosed that “the club have provided a tutor and while I’m with Scotland I’ll be having Zoom lessons.”

Tierney’s ambitions: A long road ahead

Arsenal's Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (L) fights for the ball with Monaco's Senegalese midfielder Krepin Diatta during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and Monaco at The Emirates Stadium in north London on August 2, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (L) fights for the ball with Monaco’s Senegalese midfielder Krepin Diatta during the pre-season friendly football match for the Emirates Cup final between Arsenal and Monaco at The Emirates Stadium in north London on August 2, 2023. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The Scottish international mentioned that he is yet to reach full match fitness, an issue exacerbated by the fact that he was injured and lacked game time at Arsenal.

However, Tierney believes that he has much more to give and is relishing the challenges that lie ahead in Spain.

For Tierney, this is just the beginning. “There’s so much more to come from me. I played with a smile on my face and I’ve been doing that in training too,” he concluded.