Arsenal-owned defender Kieran Tierney, currently on loan to Real Sociedad, has dismissed claims of an early return to England amidst the ongoing defensive crisis at Arsenal.
In comments reported by the Daily Record, Tierney stated, “Several people have asked me if I will return to Arsenal and the answer is no. I am definitely staying here.”
The former Celtic left-back expressed his fondness for his current club and team. “If I stay here for long, it’s not up to me. But what I can say is that I love playing for Real and I am having a lot of fun,” he affirmed.
Under Mikel Arteta’s management at Arsenal, Tierney saw limited game time last year, often finding himself on the bench. Despite this, he maintains a positive relationship with the Spanish coach. “Everything is fine with Arteta. I didn’t play much last year, often sitting on the bench. But it’s football and it’s not a problem,” explained Tierney.
He added that he had managed to avoid major injury during this period, participating in around 30 games, most of them as a substitute. Tierney’s statement will be a relief for Real Sociedad fans who were worried about his early departure due to Arsenal’s defensive emergency.