'I hope so' - Moises Caicedo makes Arsenal Premier League title admission
Moises Caicedo says he hopes Arsenal win the Premier League this season and has revealed how he reacted to missing out on a January move to the Gunners.
The Ecuador international has become one of the Premier League's best midfielders during his time at the AMEX Stadium and was the subject of interest from Mikel Arteta's side during the winter window, even writing an open letter to the club's board asking to leave.
However, Brighton dug their heels in and insisted he would not be sold. Caicedo has since been reintegrated into Roberto De Zerbi's squad and even signed a new contract. Arsenal instead swooped for Chelsea's Jorginho but recent draws to Liverpool and West Ham have dented their title bid.
“I was really close to going,” Caicedo told The Telegraph. “I suffered a lot.”
“I’m sure I'm going to have many more opportunities. That’s why I continue to do things well. [But] it was tough. At the beginning when I didn’t end up going, lots of people would make fun of me on Instagram. People treated me badly. I didn’t check my social media because it would hurt me to see things.
“I’d seen a lot of Arsenal before knowing that there was a possibility of me signing for them. I watched them and I liked them because they have very young, talented players and some stars but they always have that mindset of wanting more.”
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Caicedo was not granted a January exit to Arsenal like former Seagulls attacker Leandro Trossard, but he says he was greeted back into the squad warmly despite not getting his transfer.
”They all supported me. When I came back, they welcomed me once again. That was lovely for me because it was like being at home again. They all supported me. So, I resumed training, full of hunger to be back in the side and help them.
“This team opened their door to me and offered me a new contract, so I signed it.”
The 21-year-old's head certainly seems to have been turned by Arsenal, however. When asked if he wants them to win the title, he replied: "Of course. I hope so but let's see.”
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