Zinchenko Opens Up About Arsenal Nightmare: "Worst Season Ever" as Star Faces Uncertain Future

Zinchenko Opens Up About Arsenal Nightmare: "Worst Season Ever" as Star Faces Uncertain Future

Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko has described the 2024–25 campaign as the most challenging period of his professional career, revealing his difficulty in accepting a significant decrease in playing time.

Previously a consistent starter under Mikel Arteta's management, Zinchenko experienced a dramatic reduction in appearances last season, with his Premier League minutes cut by more than half to just over 500 due to injury setbacks and the rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly.

In his forthcoming memoir, Believe, Zinchenko shares a heartfelt account of his reduced status, discussing the psychological challenges of recognizing he had fallen out of favor with his coach.

"A minor calf issue sidelined me during September," Zinchenko reveals (via The Athletic). "Various knocks here and there. However, I remained healthy for the majority of the season.

"I found myself essentially excluded from the first team, except for a handful of individual matches. From a purely personal perspective, this was undoubtedly the most difficult season I've encountered as a professional."

The Ukrainian defender elaborated: "A footballer who doesn't feature is essentially nothing. It's one matter when your physical condition fails you. That's understandable. But transitioning from being a key squad member to an unused substitute is far more challenging to accept. The feeling of being unwanted when your coach loses faith in you can be devastating, regardless of how mentally strong you are.

"Remaining on the Premier League bench while earning a substantial salary is certainly still a privilege, the type of situation that countless people worldwide would gladly exchange their more difficult circumstances for instantly. Believe me, as someone from Ukraine, I'm constantly aware of this reality.

"However, every player began this journey because of their passion for the sport. A significant portion of your identity disappears without it. Picture a young child who has devoted his entire life to mastering one specific skill, only to discover at 28 that he's basically surplus to requirements, that others can fulfill his role. It's a painful experience."

This circumstances has generated considerable discussion regarding Zinchenko's future at Arsenal, with the 28-year-old indicating he must assess his possibilities this summer while pursuing renewed fulfillment.

"I maintain my professionalism and it's my responsibility to persevere," he states. "At Arsenal, we don't harbor many egos, everyone comprehends their position, obligations and duties. I'm not someone who arrives with negativity and creates a toxic atmosphere, I continue attempting to brighten the mood with humor and bring joy to others. I made every effort to maintain internal positivity.

"I fulfilled every request and was content to participate in any role for the substitute team that represents upcoming opponents during practice sessions. Perhaps other players might respond differently, they could feel insulted having to simulate being defenders when they're attackers, or vice versa.

"But that's not my nature. It doesn't trouble me whatsoever. I view it as a chance to develop and demonstrate that I'll do whatever's required to contribute.

"I've never been someone who approaches the manager, voices grievances or poses endless questions. I can only hold myself accountable. If I'm not playing, it indicates I haven't worked sufficiently hard, haven't done enough, haven't performed adequately.

"We'll see what the future holds. Because I still desire to play football. I want to find joy in the game and return home with happiness each evening."