Leandro Trossard has opened up on the emotional reasons behind his decision to leave Arsenal and join Turkish giants Besiktas, revealing that an honest conversation with manager Mikel Arteta convinced him it was time to move on.
Speaking shortly after completing his transfer, the Belgian international admitted that while leaving Arsenal was one of the toughest decisions of his career, he appreciated the transparency shown by Arteta during discussions about his future.
According to Trossard, the Arsenal manager explained that the club was entering a new phase and that he no longer saw the experienced winger as a central part of his long-term plans.
“It was a difficult conversation, but I respect Mikel for being honest with me,” Trossard reportedly said. “He told me that I no longer fit into his plans the way I did before. As a footballer, you always want to play regularly, and after hearing that, I knew I had to think about my future.”
The Belgian added that there were no hard feelings between himself and the Arsenal boss, insisting that the discussion was conducted with mutual respect.
“I want to thank Mikel because he didn’t give me false hope. He was straightforward, and sometimes that’s exactly what a player needs. It hurt to hear, but I appreciated the honesty.”
Trossard leaves Arsenal after enjoying several memorable seasons in North London. Signed from Brighton, he quickly became known for his versatility, technical quality and ability to score crucial goals in big moments. Whether starting matches or coming off the bench, he regularly delivered important performances that helped Arsenal compete at the highest level.
His departure marks the end of a successful chapter, with supporters remembering his professionalism and commitment every time he wore the famous red and white shirt.
The move to Besiktas offers the 31-year-old a fresh challenge and the opportunity to become one of the club’s leading figures. The Turkish side have ambitious plans for the new season and believe Trossard’s experience in the Premier League and on the international stage will strengthen their squad considerably.
“I wanted a new challenge where I can play an important role,” Trossard continued. “Besiktas showed great belief in me from the very beginning. They made me feel wanted, and that played a huge part in my decision.”
Besiktas supporters have welcomed the Belgian star with excitement, hoping his creativity, finishing ability and experience can help the club challenge for major honours both domestically and in European competition.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are expected to continue reshaping their squad as Arteta prepares for another demanding campaign. The club’s recruitment strategy has focused on younger profiles and players who fit the manager’s evolving tactical system, making Trossard’s departure part of a broader squad rebuild.
Although his Arsenal career has come to an end, Trossard insisted he leaves with nothing but gratitude.
“I’ll always be thankful to Arsenal, the staff, my teammates and especially the fans. They supported me from day one, and I’ll always have great memories of my time at the club. Now it’s time for a new adventure, and I’m excited to give everything for Besiktas.”
With a new chapter now beginning in Turkey, Trossard will be hoping to prove that he still has plenty to offer at the highest level while helping Besiktas compete for silverware in the seasons ahead.