Cristhian Mosquera admits he wanted Arsenal transfer to be 'a little different'

Cristhian Mosquera has opened up about his Valencia departure (Picture: Getty)

Cristhian Mosquera has made an honest admission over his move to Arsenal from Valencia in the summer transfer window.

The Spain U21 international defender joined the Gunners in July in a deal worth £13m plus add-ons , which could eventually rise to £20m.

Mosquera had spent his entire senior career at Valencia before his switch to the Premier League and was at the La Liga club for just under a decade.

The move was criticised by some in Spain for not being handled properly by either the player or the club, with Valencia issuing a statement that Mosquera had ‘unequivocally expressed’ he wouldn’t sign a new contract.

Mosquera has now admitted that he wishes things had played out ‘a little different’ as he opened up about his departure from Valencia.

Speaking to Spanish radio station Cadena SER , Mosquera said: ‘It’s clear that when you leave what has been your home, you would like everything to be a little different.

‘Both the statement and the things that have come out. I’m never going to speak badly of Valencia because I’m a Valencianista and it’s a club that has given me everything.

Cristhian Mosquera has played two games for Arsenal to date (Picture: Getty)

‘I would have liked it to have been a little different, but sometimes in football you have to look out for yourself, and there will be parts that you understand and others that you don’t.

‘I’m calm because every time I put on the Valencia shirt, I gave everything.’

Mosquera made his Arsenal debut against Leeds United in August, coming on for Jurrien Timber in the 64th minute.

Cristhian Mosquera made 90 appearances for Valencia (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has labelled Mosquera as ‘one of the strongest young defenders in European football’.

‘We’re very happy and excited to have signed a hugely talented young player in Cristhian Mosquera,’ Berta said.

‘We identified Cristhian as one of the strongest young defenders in European football, and he is an important signing for our future.

‘Cristhian is a versatile defender who will strengthen our squad.’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta added: ‘As a 21-year-old defender, Cristhian has already performed consistently well with significant experience in La Liga.

‘He is an intelligent player with good pace, who can play centrally and on both sides.