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Hector Bellerin seals emotional return to Barcelona on free transfer as Arsenal pay tribute to long-serving defender
Hector Bellerin sealed an emotional return to Barcelona from Arsenal on deadline day.
The Spanish right-back hails from Barcelona and was part of their famed academy before joining the Gunners as a 16-year-old.
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He went on to make 239 first team appearances, winning the FA Cup three times and FA Community Shield twice, but has not played for Arsenal since a a 1-0 win over Chelsea in May 2021.
Bellerin spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Real Betis and helped them qualify for the Europa League.
He has now taken significant pay cut to join Barcelona, and will also forego any money owed to him by Arsenal.
The Gunners have allowed him to move on a free transfer but it is understood they will retain a 25 per cent sell-on clause in the player.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - a former teammate - paid tribute to Bellerin as his departure was announced: “We today say goodbye to Hector and we thank him so much for his loyalty and commitment to Arsenal Football Club.
“During his 11 years with Arsenal, Hector won three FA Cups and made nearly 250 appearances – such a huge contribution to the club.
"I’m privileged to have played in the same squad as Hector for three seasons, wearing the Arsenal shirt and sharing many great moments on and off the football pitch together.
“We thank you Hector and wish you and your family all the best for your return to Barcelona.”
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The defender has long been linked with a return to Barcelona, spending his formative years at their La Masia academy.
The deal to return to Barcelona is an initial one-year contract.
Current Barca boss Xavi was in need of a new right-back with Dani Alves leaving for the second time this summer and Sergino Dest moving to AC Milan on loan.
Sergi Roberto, Jules Kounde and Ronald Araujo have all been used as makeshift right-backs.
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