I’m a former Arsenal star – now I cycle to training every day after ditching London for sunny Spain

FORMER Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has opened up about how his life has changed since joining Real Betis.

The 28-year-old left north London in 2022 and struggled to settle at a new club.

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Hector Bellerin has revealed that he now cycles to training[/caption]

Bellerin spent nine years at Arsenal before leaving in 2022Getty

He spent a year at Barcelona but was limited to just seven appearances before joining Sporting Lisbon on a six-month contract.

Bellerin returned to Real Betis last summer, having previously spent a season-long loan there from Arsenal, and has since flourished.

On the pitch he is an established first team player.

And off it he is a big advocate for tackling climate change.

The Spaniard now rides his bike to and from training rather than use his car.

And he believes more footballers should be doing the same where possible.

Speaking to The Times, Bellerin said: “I understand that [if you’re playing] on the other side of Europe, it needs planes.

“We need to start slowly. In sport there are so many things that we do because of tradition, that I think we need to adjust.

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“We wear a new shirt every game. We get loads of planes.

“Promote trains, or taking a bus, rather than flying, especially in private planes.

“With Arsène Wenger, if we went to Manchester or Liverpool, we went by train.”

He added: “With consuming, I always take my time. We are very used to buying things in the moment, from impulse. I take months before I make a purchase.

“What’s the best decision for sustainability, for the planet, and as a consumer?”

Discussing his delight at joining his boyhood club, Bellerin said: “Every Christmas I would get Betis presents.

“Since the moment I arrived here I knew I wanted this to be my home for the long term.

“It’s also important for me personally to be part of a club that has a commitment, not just to sustainability but also with their community.

“A club that puts systems into place for fans and workers, players and staff to make it easier for us to have a greener lifestyle. It’s an inspiration.”