Reyes reveals reason for Arsenal exit
Jose Antonio Reyes has admitted being left out of the Champions League final was the clinching factor in his decision to leave Arsenal for Real Madrid.
Reyes, unveiled at Real Madrid after clinching a season-long loan deal that sees Julio Baptista move the other way, made the revelation as he was introduced to the media
Asked about his time with Arsenal, Reyes said: “Everything was working, but I couldn’t turn down the option of coming to Madrid.
“It’s true that I didn’t adapt to the climate or the language. It was hard. We did have a great coach (Arsene Wenger), but we also have a great one at Real Madrid (Fabio Capello).”
Reyes, in remarks reported by www.realmadrid.es, revealed the Champions League snub was the last straw.
“It was another drop in the nearly full glass,” he said. “I had always featured, and then I was left out for the final. It was a hard, low blow to my career.”
And the 23-year-old Spain international revealed how a final meeting with Wenger finally sealed his passage to Madrid.
“We spoke about several issues,” said Reyes. “What’s important is that we clarified everything, and he made it possible for me to come to Madrid.”
Reyes claimed he had nothing to prove to his new fans.
“I’ve already shown what I am capable of,” he said. “I played some great matches in London. They are two very different leagues, but I hope luck is on my side and that I get playing time to continue giving my best. They won’t regret it.”
