Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who joined the Gunners from Juventus as a free agent during the summer transfer window, spoke at length with reporters about his unexpected experience at the Emirates Stadium so far.
The experienced defender joined the Unai Emery’s team hoping to have a free ride into the manager’s starting lineup this season, but that hasn’t been achieved by the Swiss international.
Lichtsteiner’s early days at the Emirates Stadium was encouraging as he was given the nod to start ahead of Hector Bellerin in the first game of the season against Manchester City.
After the game which they lost 2-0 to the Premier League defending Champions, the 34-year-old was dropped to the bench in subsequent matches.
While reflecting on his Arsenal career so far, the fullback admitted it was tough for him as he isn’t used to sitting on the bench.
According to the Switzerland national team captain, since he turned a professional footballer he hasn’t been on the bench for three consecutive matches until he joined the Gunners.
“Three games in a row [on the bench], that’s never happened to me. If you have achieved a lot in your career, you have high expectations of yourself and want to play. But I also know that I will get the chance to play games.”he confessed.
The most shocking aspect of the interview — with a Swiss media outlet Sportal —was when the player claimed to be 28 years of age, therefore, he has no reason to think of ending his career.
“If I have to admit that I can not keep the level of the last few years, then it is time. But then I will not only resign from the Swiss national team, but finish my career. Based purely on performance data I have the physicality of a 28-year-old.” he said
Lichtsteiner won seven Scuddetto trophies with the Old Lady before switching over to the Emirates Stadium.
