Ex-Arsenal wonderkid explains why he completed surprise transfer after exit

· Mirror

Charlie Patino was afforded just two first-team appearances with Arsenal during his time in North London and has gone on to play in Spain and Germany since leaving the Emirates

Former Arsenal starlet Charlie Patino has revealed he joined German side VfL Bochum in an effort to enjoy football again. The 22-year-old midfielder started his career in North London and, after working his way up through the ranks at the Emirates, went on to make two senior appearances.

He memorably scored on his debut for Arsenal in a League Cup win against Sunderland. Patino was sent out on loan to Championship sides Blackpool and Swansea City in an effort to build on his experience.

But the youngster surprisingly left the club in 2024 in a surprise switch to Spain side Deportivo La Coruna. After two years with the side, Patino was on the move again this summer as he joined VfL Bochum.

Asked why his career hasn't quite panned out as expected in an interview with Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung, he said: "I like pressure. Pressure creates diamonds.

"There are simply certain factors I can't control. Every player dreams of playing in every game and being in the starting XI, but sometimes coaches see things differently; they want other things.

"Not everyone's career progresses smoothly and steadily. Everyone has their own path, their own steps. I'm here now and ready for a new challenge."

Explaining his switch to Germany, Patino has suggested that Bochum boss Uwe Rosler was a real driving force, as well as his own ambitions to enjoy playing football again.

He added: "I had good talks with the coach and the club. He knew me from my time in the Championship. He's a legend at Manchester City.

"I come to training every day and try to improve in every area. With the support of the coach and his staff, I'm in a good place to do that.

"Of course, I'm still getting used to the German league and want to get back to enjoying football – going onto the pitch and really thinking: It's a privilege to be here. Because it's been a couple of difficult seasons. When I played in Hannover two weeks ago, that was really something special.

"There's a big difference between Spain and Germany. It's much more physical here, there are many more challenges. I had a bit more experience with that when I played in the Championship; that wasn't the case in Spain.

"Now I have to be ready for the challenges and individual duels, both in matches and in training. Every session is physically demanding and tough, and that will help me develop as a player."

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