“I Chose the Winning Team” – Zubimendi Explains Why He Snubbed Liverpool for Arsenal… and It’s a Brutal Blow for Reds Fans
BREAKING: Spanish midfield maestro Martín Zubimendi has finally opened up about his decision to reject Liverpool in favor of Arsenal — and his brutally honest explanation is sending shockwaves through both fanbases.
In a refreshingly candid interview, the former Real Sociedad star admitted that Arsenal’s rise to European prominence under Mikel Arteta was the key reason he turned down a move to Anfield, despite strong interest from the Merseyside giants.
🔴 Liverpool’s Midfield Crisis — and the One Who Got Away
Last summer, Liverpool were deep into a midfield rebuild, urgently seeking a composed deep-lying playmaker. Zubimendi was reportedly at the top of their wishlist.
However, despite serious pursuit from the Reds — and their desperate need for midfield stability — Zubimendi stayed put in Spain. At the time, his decision left many puzzled.
Fast forward a year, and things look very different.
Now officially an Arsenal player, Zubimendi has finally revealed why he made the move to North London instead. His words? Sharp, calculated — and devastating for Liverpool fans:
“At that time, Liverpool didn’t look like they were going to win the Champions League. But now Arsenal feel like real contenders. I joined the winning team.”
📈 Arsenal’s Rise: Why Zubimendi Was Watching Closely
Under Arteta, Arsenal have transformed into a tactical powerhouse in both domestic and European competitions. After narrowly missing the Premier League title last season, the Gunners returned to the Champions League with fire — dominating the group stages and turning heads across the continent.
Zubimendi was watching. Closely.
He was reportedly drawn to Arsenal’s mix of youth, tactical precision, and hunger. In Arteta, he saw a clear vision — a stark contrast to what he described as the “transitional uncertainty” at Liverpool under incoming manager Arne Slot.
“I respect Liverpool,” Zubimendi added. “But they were in transition. It didn’t align with my ambitions. Arsenal are building something special — and I wanted to be a part of that.”
🧠 What Zubimendi Brings to Arsenal
Zubimendi isn’t just a statement signing — he’s a game-changer.
Known for his calmness under pressure, pinpoint passing, and defensive intelligence, he fits Arteta’s possession-heavy system like a glove. Alongside Declan Rice, he could form one of Europe’s most balanced midfield duos — combining steel with elegance.
Pundits already see him as a potential difference-maker in Arsenal’s Champions League quest.
⚔️ Liverpool vs Arsenal: A Shift in Power?
Zubimendi’s remarks — particularly the “winning team” line — have gone viral, sparking heated debate online. Arsenal fans are celebrating the quote as a symbol of their club’s elevation to elite status, while Liverpool supporters feel slighted.
One Arsenal fan on X (formerly Twitter) summed it up harshly:
“Liverpool used to be the dream. Now they’re the fallback. Welcome to the new era.”
It’s a stinging suggestion — that Liverpool’s pulling power is fading, while Arsenal are fast becoming the destination for Europe’s best.
📝 Final Take
Zubimendi’s decision — and his unapologetic reasoning — isn’t just another transfer story. It’s a symbol of Arsenal’s momentum and a potential warning to Europe’s traditional giants.
While Liverpool regroup under Arne Slot, Arsenal are charging forward with players who believe in their project — and aren’t afraid to say why.
As Zubimendi said, simply and boldly:
“I joined the winning team.”
Let the next chapter of this rivalry begin.
