Arsenal star Hector Bellerin impresses in the same arena as Diego Maradona, Geoff Hurst and Paul Gascoigne

Bellerin became the first Arsenal player to address the Oxford Union
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
James Benge9 February 2018

Hector Bellerin’s footballing career may have been forged in the relentless pressure of the Premier League but he would be forgiven for finding the Debate Chamber of the Oxford Union a more intimidating environment.

After all he was the first Arsenal player invited to speak on a stage that has hosted such luminaries four US presidents, seven Prime Ministers, Michael Jackson and Kermit the Frog.

But the 22-year-old took to the stage with charm and wit, proving an engaging and honest subject on a host of topics beyond what a young footballer would usually be expected to address, from Catalonian independence to the challenges his sport faces in dealing with mental illness.

Of course he would not escape the debating chamber without being forced to address the burning issues surrounding Arsenal, not least the departure of Alexis Sanchez.

“Alexis is an amazing player,” Bellerin said. “One of the best in the Premier League for sure but he is a player who always wants to win.

“He demands from everyone, sometimes it can be too much. The great thing is he wants to win, to give 100 per cent.

“This season maybe things weren’t going as well for him but I truly believe he was giving 100 per cent.

“There was one game against Crystal Palace. We celebrated a goal and some of the players went I stayed back, I was talking to Calum Chambers because there was some tactical stuff. For me that was more important than celebrating the goal.”

Bellerin pronounced himself “really happy” with his club’s January transfer business and the signings of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, though the latter’s arrival reignites a familiar debate over who is Arsenal’s speed king.

“I’ve always had this fight with Theo Walcott,” Bellerin said. “He went to Everton and I thought I was going to be the quickest player [at the club].

“Then oh my god, Aubameyang. We’ll see. Next pre-season we’ll do the speed chances. I fancy my chances.”

Bellerin, who follows in the footsteps of fellow footballers Diego Maradona, Geoff Hurst and Paul Gascoigne by addressing the Union, found himself a spokesperson for issues in football and beyond.

On Catalan independence the Barcelona-born son of two Spanish parents from outside Catalonia offered an impassioned plea without taking sides, whilst he spoke with honesty about the challenges a footballer suffering with mental illness might face in the dressing room.

Bellerin has not been immune to the barbs thrown at professional footballers and felt the social media critiques all the more keenly as he has slipped form a status as perhaps the most popular member of the first-team to something of a whipping boy for Arsenal’s demise.

Getty Images

“At the beginning I had it quite easy. When I broke in the first team no-one really knew what to expect of me.

“Then last year it started going a bit worse for us and then personally it gets quite hard. As someone who is young I like going on social media and some of the things on my timeline!

“It’s quite hard when you feed off those positive things that people say to you… when they tell you bad stuff and you don’t get the positives anymore it’s quite hard to take, though you learn how to live with it.”

Not least when it comes to those who bemoan his flamboyant attire as he watches the catwalks at London Fashion Week. “I don’t care. I like how I look.”

He added: “So many people tweet me saying focus on the game and I am just like don't worry...I am a human being.

“I have passions, I have hobbies but equally, I am a footballer and that is my main focus.”

Bellerin’s full session is expected to be posted on the Oxford Union Youtube channel in the coming weeks

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