Home » “At that time, Liverpool didn’t seem like they are going to win the Champions League but now Arsenal seems like a strong contender in the Champions League this season so i joined the winning team” – Martin Zubimendi explains why he made the decision to turn down Liverpool before sealing Arsenal move a year later
“At that time, Liverpool didn’t seem like they are going to win the Champions League but now Arsenal seems like a strong contender in the Champions League this season so i joined the winning team” – Martin Zubimendi explains why he made the decision to turn down Liverpool before sealing Arsenal move a year later
written by LAVIZKID July 23, 2025
“I Chose the Winning Team!” – Zubimendi Finally Reveals Why He Turned Down Liverpool for Arsenal… and It’s a Brutal One for Reds Fans
BREAKING NEWS: Spanish midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi has broken his silence — and his explanation for turning down a move to Liverpool last year in favour of Arsenal is sending shockwaves through both clubs. In a candid and refreshingly honest statement, the Real Sociedad graduate admitted that Arsenal’s rise to European dominance was the key reason behind his decision to reject Arne Slot’s call and instead embrace the Gunners’ red-hot project under Mikel Arteta.
In a move that stunned many last summer, Zubimendi opted to stay in Spain despite heavy interest from Premier League giants Liverpool. At the time, the Reds were scrambling to rebuild their aging midfield, and Zubimendi was seen as the ideal deep-lying playmaker to anchor a new era at Anfield. But to the dismay of many Liverpool fans, the Spanish international politely declined their advances.
Fast forward twelve months — and everything changed.
Now officially an Arsenal player, Zubimendi didn’t hold back when asked about why he made the bold switch to North London this summer rather than a year earlier to Merseyside. His words? Cold, calculated, and brutally honest:
> “At that time, Liverpool didn’t seem like they were going to win the Champions League. But now Arsenal seems like a strong contender in the Champions League this season… so I joined the winning team.”
That statement alone has gone viral, sparking fierce debates across social media platforms. Arsenal fans have hailed it as proof that the Gunners have finally become a true destination club in Europe. Meanwhile, Liverpool supporters are left stunned and stung, with many calling the remarks a “disrespectful dig” at a club that lifted the UCL just five years ago.
🔥 Arsenal’s Meteoric Rise – And Why Zubimendi Was Watching Closely
Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have evolved into a tactical powerhouse — not just in the Premier League, but in Europe too. After narrowly missing out on domestic glory last season, the Gunners have returned to the Champions League with a vengeance. Their dominant group stage performances and fearless attacking style have caught the eye of elite players across the continent — including Zubimendi himself.
The 25-year-old Spaniard was reportedly impressed by Arsenal’s balance of youth, tactical discipline, and hunger. He saw in Arteta a manager with a clear identity — a sharp contrast to the uncertainty swirling around Liverpool during their transitional phase under new head coach Arne Slot.
And now, with Arsenal poised to go deep into the UCL knockout rounds, Zubimendi has chosen what he calls “the winning team.”
❌ Why He Said No to Arne Slot — Even When They Needed Him Most
Last season, Liverpool’s midfield was in disarray. Injuries, inconsistency, and a glaring lack of control in the middle of the park forced the club to seek urgent reinforcements. Zubimendi was top of the list. But despite the prestige of playing at a historic club like Liverpool, Zubimendi says the timing simply wasn’t right.
> “I respect Liverpool, but they were in a transition. It didn’t feel like the right moment for my ambitions. Arsenal, on the other hand, are building something special — and I wanted to be part of that.”
His comments, while respectful, send a clear message: players now view Arsenal as not just a Premier League force, but a serious European juggernaut in the making.
🧠 What Zubimendi Brings to the Gunners
A master of the midfield craft, Zubimendi brings poise, precision passing, and composure under pressure. His tactical intelligence makes him a perfect fit for Arteta’s high-possession system, while his work ethic mirrors the grit that has become Arsenal’s new identity.
Analysts believe he could form a devastating partnership with Declan Rice in midfield — offering both defensive solidity and fluid distribution. With Champions League glory within reach, Zubimendi’s arrival could be the final piece of Arteta’s European puzzle.
⚔️ Liverpool vs Arsenal — A Rivalry Reignited?
Zubimendi’s bold remarks will no doubt add fuel to the growing tension between the two clubs. Arsenal’s raid on Liverpool’s target list is a symbolic shift in Premier League power dynamics. For years, Liverpool were the clear European heavyweights. But now, it’s Arsenal who are attracting the brightest stars — and even turning down Anfield in the process.
As one Arsenal fan cheekily posted on X:
“Liverpool used to be the dream. Now they’re the fallback. Welcome to the new era.”
📝 Final Thoughts
Martin Zubimendi’s decision to join Arsenal — and his unapologetic explanation — is more than just a transfer story. It’s a signal of Arsenal’s ambition, their resurgence on the global stage, and a warning shot to Europe’s elite.
Liverpool will undoubtedly feel the sting of being rejected in such fashion. But for Arsenal fans, it’s just another sign that Arteta’s project is not only working — it’s winning.
And as Zubimendi himself put it best:
“I joined the winning team.”
Let the new Champions League era begin.
