Lyon midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles has opened up about his departure from Arsenal, expressing his preference to have remained at the North London club instead of embarking on loan spells that ultimately led to his permanent exit in June 2023.
The versatile Englishman, who was once a regular fixture under the likes of Arsene Wenger and Unai Emery, found himself facing an uphill battle under the tenure of Mikel Arteta, which eventually culminated in his departure from the Emirates Stadium.
In a candid interview with The Athletic, Maitland-Niles reflected on his struggles, stating, “After my last cap for England… I came back to Arsenal and didn’t make the starting XI, then it just went downhill.” This decline in playing time proved to be a significant hurdle for the midfielder, especially in terms of his aspirations to represent his country consistently.
The 26-year-old acknowledged the frustration of not receiving regular game time, emphasizing the importance of consistent football for players aiming to secure international recognition. Despite his efforts to regain momentum through loan spells, Maitland-Niles found himself grappling with the reality of limited opportunities.
A glimpse at the journey of the Englishman at Arsenal
His journey, marked by loan stints at clubs like West Bromwich Albion and AS Roma, as well as a season-long spell at Southampton, was not devoid of challenges. However, Maitland-Niles found solace in the adversity, recognizing the growth it facilitated. He remarked, “It just helped me put perspective into my life… It’s difficult. No one wants to go through that but unfortunately, I did and a lot of players went through it with me.”
Despite his preference to remain at Arsenal, Maitland-Niles harbors no regrets, acknowledging the value of the experiences that shaped him both as a player and as an individual. He asserted, “I would have liked to stay at Arsenal and preferred to be there and playing games. But it helped me grow as an individual, so I wouldn’t take back anything.”
While Maitland-Niles’ departure from Arsenal marked the end of a chapter in his career, his journey has taken an intriguing turn with his move to Lyon. Initially facing challenges adapting to the French top-flight, Maitland-Niles has gradually found his footing, contributing positively to his new team’s endeavors.
As Lyon prepares to contest the French Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, Maitland-Niles stands on the brink of potential silverware—a testament to his resilience and adaptability.
While his time at Arsenal may have concluded sooner than expected, Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ journey exemplifies the resilience required to navigate the unpredictable terrain of professional football. As he continues to carve his path at Lyon, his experiences serve as a reminder of the transformative power of perseverance and perspective in the face of adversity.
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