Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock claims Arsenal didn't 'value' him and that Emirates exit 'hurt'

Newcastle midfielder Joe Willock has lifted the lid on his Arsenal exit, admitting he didn't feel 'valued' at the Emirates.

After a successful loan spell in Tyneside, Willock made the permanent switch from Arsenal to Newcastle in the summer of 2021, and has not looked back since.

The 23-year-old has played a key part in Eddie Howe's remarkable rise to third place in the Premier League table, with Champions League football an increasing probability next season.

Willock has missed just one top-flight match all term, contributing three goals and six assists during that time. While his impressive form has pushed him to the periphery of Gareth Southgate's England squad.

However, his move up north didn't come without pain, having been a part of Arsenal's academy since the age of four.

What did he say?

Opening up on why he chose to part ways with the Gunners, Willock recalled the moment he knew his time was up in north London.

“We [Willock and Newcastle] had loads of conversations on the phone that summer," he told The Telegraph.

"I wasn’t valued at Arsenal, that became clear. When I had a meeting with them, it was obvious they wanted me to go. Yeah, it hurt.

“I would probably have drifted for another year had I stayed. I’d been there since I was four-and-a-half years old. I’d given my life to Arsenal.

"At that meeting it just felt like my time was up. I didn’t feel valued anymore and that was it, I was going to sign for Newcastle after that.”

Almost two years on, and the Hale End graduate has become a mainstay within Newcastle's midfield, attributing his success to manager, Howe.

“He [Howe] has created an environment for players like me, but also players like Bruno [Guimares] who are from the other side of the world, to feel at home," he added.

"We are like one big family here. Newcastle is an incredible place to play football.”