4 hours ago
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Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi has revealed he does not like interviews - because he's had bad experiences with the media in the past. The Gunners maestro was speaking while away on international duty with Spain and was reflecting on his first few months in the Premier League following his £60million summer transfer from Real Sociedad.
Speaking to Spanish outlet EL MUNDO, Zubimendi was asked why he doesn't enjoy interviews, to which he replied: "Well, I don't know. In the end, based on the experiences I've had they haven't brought me many positive things.
"Sometimes they've even been negative, they've gotten me into trouble here and there. There have been some that have caused me awkward moments, so I prefer to avoid them sometimes."
The conversation appeared to be lighthearted and the journalist built rapport with Zubimendi throughout the wide-ranging conversation. Then, right at the end of the interview, the reporter cheekily asked if "there was anything going on with [Real] Madrid or not?"
The 26-year-old is said to have laughed before responding with a smile: "You see what I was saying about interviews?" In truth, the framework of Arsenal's deal to sign Zubimendi was done long before the summer transfer window opened - right at the beginning of the year.
The Spanish media tried their best to whip up speculation that Zubimendi could in fact snub Arsenal and join Los Blancos but in north London, that was never truly a major concern.
The 26-year-old also opened up on the stylistic differences between the Premier League and La Liga, explaining: "In England, everything is much more direct.
"Here in the League, after recovering the ball, perhaps the mentality is much more one of holding on to it and taking a breath.
"There, whenever there's a loss, the one who recovers the ball is only thinking about attacking and has the physical ability to, with a good drive, get into the opponent's box."
It's no surprise that Zubimendi has been a huge hit so far in N5 at the base of Mikel Arteta's midfield. He already has two goals to his name after striking a brace against Nottingham Forest in September and his importance appears to be growing with every match that goes by.
The ex-Real Sociedad lynchpin is set for a crucial role for Spain during the current international break as Manchester City anchorman Rodri was forced to withdraw from the squad due to knee pain.
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