Jokin Aperribay, president of Real Sociedad, has acknowledged that the club had already come to terms with Martin Zubimendi’s decision to leave, after the midfielder completed his long-anticipated move to Arsenal.
Zubimendi’s £55 million transfer to north London was confirmed on Sunday, ending months of speculation and bringing to a close a prolonged pursuit.
Despite losing one of the most accomplished midfielders to emerge from their academy in recent years, Aperribay struck a conciliatory tone when addressing the media in San Sebastián.
“The first thing I have to say to Martin is to thank him for his behaviour last year, which was exquisite, when we asked him to stay,” Aperribay said.
“I am very sorry that he has left, but it is something that we had assumed, because Martin still thought that his time had come to go out. I had until the last minute some hope that he would stay, because I am very optimistic, but it hasn’t been like that.
“As he says, in the case of Martin I believe it, hopefully he will return in a few years.”
Zubimendi had turned down sustained interest from Arsenal and Liverpool last summer at his club’s request, choosing to stay on for an additional season.
His decision to finally make the move this summer, also rejecting Real Madrid in the process, marks the end of a patient courtship by the Gunners, and the beginning of a new chapter for the player.
Whether he ever returns to Real Sociedad remains to be seen, but Aperribay made clear that the door will always be open.
