In a recent interview with Téléfoot, William Saliba (22) opened up on the impact of his injury last season to Arsenal’s title chances and spoke about the club’s renewed ambitions to go one step further this season. The former Marseille loanee was a major part of Mikel Arteta’s team that ran Manchester City the closest for the Premier League title.
The Gunners’ progress was stunted though in the search for their first Premier League title since 2004, following Saliba’s injury. The France international suffered the back injury in Arsenal’s second-leg UEFA Europa League Round of 16 exit to Sporting CP. When asked if Arsenal could have been champions with him fit for the full season, he said “Yeah, it’s clear with me (fully fit), Arsenal could have been champions, but injuries are a part of football“.
To fans of Ligue 1, Saliba has always been an immense talent but following a positive season for Arsenal last year he became recognised as one of the best centre backs available to Didier Deschamps as France manager. Speaking about last season the 22-year-old stated, “Last year, I had a good season. Unfortunately, I got injured during the year and at the final sprint.” However, Saliba shifted his focus onto this season, adding “It’s a new season with new ambitions and I hope that we can do even better.”
GFFN | Liam Wraith
