‘I like La Liga more’: Ceballos rules out Arsenal extension
Real Madrid loanee, who joined Arsenal in 2019, claimed that his loan extension at the Emirates Stadium seems to be “difficult”.
The 24-year-old enjoyed fine form in his first twelve months with the Gunners and often found himself in Arteta’s line-ups. But with the arrivals of Thomas Partey and Willian, the Spaniard fell out of favour. He made 15 appearances in 33 Premier League games this season and has netted three times, assisting thrice further.
In an interview before Arsenal’s massive Europa League semi-final first leg at Villarreal, Ceballos said,
“I’ve had a bad time because I didn’t have the consistency I had last year. These last 5 or 6 games I’ve played at a good level.
“To be honest I like La Liga a lot more. The Premier League is more complete but with my style, La Liga is much better for me. Another loan would be difficult from both sides, for Real Madrid and for me.”
He then pointed out that a move to his childhood club Real Betis would be ideal for his unstable career.
“I’m about to turn 25 in August and I have to settle at a club where I feel important, that’s what I’ll look for,” he added. “I have a lot of affection for Betis, I’m a Betis fan, I watch every Betis game, [Manuel] Pellegrini is a really good coach who I like.”
Ceballos stated.
The Spain international has two more years in his contract with Los Blancos and is expected to return to the club’s pre-season training in July. However, with Kroos, Modric, Casemiro and Fede Valverde all in their peak, it’s unlikely Zinedine Zidane would hand Ceballos his much-required game time any time soon.