“Arsenal” goalkeeper David Raya said in an interview with the Spanish “Marca” newspaper that he wants to play in Spain.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed his plans to keep goalkeeper David Ryan for the foreseeable future, saying the goalkeeper wants to one day prove himself in Spain.
In an interview with the Spanish newspaper “Marca”, the footballer of the “La Roja” national team was asked whether he had a desire to play in La Liga, having spent his entire professional career in England.
Raya explained: “Yes, I would love to. I would like to try La Liga. For now, I am very happy here. [at Arsenal]but of course I would like to experience the Spanish league.
“I think it’s a very competitive league. Maybe I can play for a Spanish club in the future. I’m Spanish and I’d like to play there, that’s for sure.”
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The former Brentford No.1 was born in Catalonia but moved to Lancashire with Blackburn Rovers on scholarship at the age of 16.
He then played 98 times for the Rovers first team after a loan spell with Non-League outfit Southport before signing for the Bees in 2019.
When asked about Ryan’s comments, Arteta was firm in his blunt response: “I think at some point David will have to play on the beach in Spain with his friends in the summer, but for the next few years he has to play here at Arsenal.”
Ryan has a contract with Arsenal until 2028 and his excellent performances helped lead the Gunners to their first Premier League title in 22 years last season.
He remains an integral player in North London, having successfully unseated Aaron Ramsdale in the No.1 form following his £27million move from Brentford.
Ryan is expected to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday after being nominated for the Yashin Trophy.
Although he didn’t play, he was part of Spain’s World Cup-winning team in North America and was basking in the glory of a Premier League title, while also helping Arsenal reach the Champions League final in Budapest.
Speaking to the Beyond The Box Podcast, the 31-year-old recently hailed Blackburn’s goalkeeping coach John Keeley for giving him a chance and allowing him to fulfill his dream of becoming a top-flight goalkeeper.
“I don’t know what, but he saw something in me from day one,” explained Raya. “When I was 17, he took me to Portugal with the first team for no reason. I think he saw something in me that not everyone saw.
“He put a lot of work on me and was one of the reasons why I went on loan, why I made my debut, why I started the next season as number one. He believed in me and I always have a lot to thank him for. If it wasn’t for him, I don’t think I would have made my debut.”