Arsenal’s summer signing Cristhian Mosquera has made a promising start to life in North London, but the young defender has admitted that his transfer from Valencia came with emotional baggage and a sense of regret over how the move unfolded.
The 21-year-old centre-back joined the Gunners in July for an initial fee of around £13 million, ending a long-standing association with Valencia, the club where he rose through the academy ranks. While Mosquera is settling well under Mikel Arteta, he’s spoken candidly about the bittersweet nature of his departure from Spain.
🇪🇸 A Difficult Goodbye to Valencia
In an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena SER, Mosquera reflected on the circumstances surrounding his exit, revealing that he had hoped for a more graceful farewell.
“It’s clear that when you leave what has been your home, you would like everything to be a little different — both the statement and the things that have come out,” he said.
Despite refusing to sign a contract extension with just one year remaining on his deal, Mosquera emphasized his deep respect for Valencia and its supporters.
“I’m never going to speak badly of Valencia because I'm a Valencianista, and it’s a club that has given me everything.”
The backlash from some fans, who were disappointed to see a homegrown talent leave, was understandable, Mosquera admitted. But he also acknowledged the realities of modern football.
“Sometimes in football you have to look out for yourself… I understand it's a bit complicated for the fans, they want the home players to stay at home.”
🔴 Early Signs of Promise at Arsenal
Mosquera’s transition to the Premier League has already shown signs of success. Thrust into action just five minutes into Arsenal’s clash at Anfield following an injury to William Saliba, Mosquera held his own in a high-pressure environment.
“I’m feeling pretty good, but it’s true that the game is different from La Liga,” he noted. “There’s more back and forth, it’s more direct… it’s crazy.”
Arteta has reportedly been impressed with Mosquera’s attitude and adaptability, with the defender praising the coaching staff for helping him settle quickly.
“Arteta is very happy with me, he’s very close and is helping me a lot.”
⚔️ Fierce Competition Ahead
While Mosquera has made a strong impression, competition for minutes will be fierce. Arsenal’s defensive depth includes Gabriel, Saliba, and new arrival Piero Hincapie — all established talents in their own right.
“I knew I was joining one of the best teams in the world, with the best players — that I would have to compete and it wouldn’t be easy,” Mosquera said.
His willingness to embrace the challenge speaks volumes about his mentality, and if his early performances are anything to go by, Mosquera could become a key figure in Arsenal’s long-term plans.
From a heartfelt farewell to a high-stakes debut, Cristhian Mosquera’s journey is already shaping up to be one of resilience and ambition. Arsenal fans may have gained a rising star — and Valencia, despite the pain, can take pride in the player they helped shape.