Kai Havertz may have lifted the Champions League at Chelsea, even scoring the winner in the final, but says joining Arsenal was ‘the best thing I’ve done’.
Havertz broke several records as he came through the ranks at Bayer Leverkusen, becoming the club’s youngest-ever debutant in the Bundesliga and their youngest score in history.
The Germany international still holds the record for being the youngest player to reach both 50 and 100 Bundesliga appearances.
Two hugely impressive seasons at Leverkusen led to substantial interest across Europe and Chelsea secured his signature in 2020 in a deal worth £71m.
At the time Havertz was Chelsea’s second-most expensive signing of all time after flop goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga but he largely underwhelmed at Stamford Bridge, scoring 32 goals in 139 appearances for the Blues.
Winning the Champions League and scoring in the final against Manchester City will always upstage Havertz’s mixed form for Chelsea, however, and as a result he is remembered fondly by Blues fans.
Of course their affection has been put to the test over the past 17 months following Havertz’s £65m switch to Premier League and London rivals Arsenal.
The 25-year-old’s mixed form has continued at the Emirates Stadium but Mikel Arteta and several Arsenal players has repeatedly defended Havertz, who has 23 goals in 71 games for the Gunners.
Havertz is yet to lift any silverware at Arsenal but has no regrets about moving to north London and believes it was the ‘best thing I could have done’.
‘I’ve been here just over a year, but it feels like ages,’ the German told Sky Sports. ‘I know everyone so well and it just feels like home.
‘I enjoy every second. For me it’s the best thing I could have done. I’m so glad for the support from everyone that helped me during my time.
‘I just got started and I hope to continue in good form, play well and win titles.’
Havertz was a key part of the Arsenal team that finished two points behind Premier League champions Manchester City last season.
The Gunners appeared set for another title tilt this term but suffered an alarming dip in form in October and November to lose valuable ground in the title race.
Three successive victories has put Arsenal back on track, however, and left Arteta’s side seven points behind Liverpool after 14 games.
‘Around October and November it was a tough period, (we) play so many games abroad, some players travelling to South America and it was tough for all of us,’ Havertz said.
‘But we’re very happy to be back together. It’s four months before the next national team break and everyone is ready for this time, everyone is very happy to be back.
‘There is still a lot of things in the team that we can develop and be better in and I’m sure the next couple of years are going to be great for us and I think everyone will be ready for it.
‘It’s still in the first part of the season and a lot can happen. For me personally, I think how much tougher the Premier League gets year by year.
‘Liverpool all of a sudden performing at the highest level week in, week out and I have to give credit to them for sure. But (there are) lots of games to play points to get so we will be ready for the fight for sure.’
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