PSV striker Donyell Malen has explained why he felt he had to leave Arsenal this summer and return to the Netherlands.
The 18 year old had been at the club for two years after making the switch from Ajax’s youth academy in 2015. The forward made his debut on the Gunners’ pre-season tour of Australia and Asia this summer, playing against Sydney FC and Chelsea. His performances also drew praise from manager Arsene Wenger.
Despite seemingly progressing towards the first team however, Malen felt he could not turn down the opportunity of joining PSV Eindhoven. He told Eindhovens Dagblad:
“I was playing well in England, but I still wanted to leave at Arsenal, and [I] had the opportunity to sign at PSV. That chance I took.”
The teenager will play his football in the Dutch second division this season with Jong PSV, the Dutch club’s second team. He made his debut on Friday night after coming on as a substitute for the last half hour of the match. His first game ended in a 2-1 victory over city rivals FC Eindhoven.
