Arsenal’s Denilson: This has been the worst season of my life and it is time for me to move on

Denilson – Arsenal, (Getty Images)

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Arsenal midfielder Denilson has told manager Arsene Wenger that he wants to leave the club after a disappointing season.

The Brazilian, 23, has made 32 appearances so far in a season which has seen the Gunners falter from challenging on all fronts to facing a sixth consecutive year without a trophy.

He told The Sun: “This has been the worst season of my life and I am so upset, so frustrated.

“I am a winner and I came here to win trophies but I’ve been here for five years and won nothing.

“A footballer’s career is over very quickly so it is time for me to move on.”

The former Sao Paulo starlet, who moved to Arsenal in 2006, emphasised that this decision was not a rash one and that it had been made for some time.

He continued: “This is not a sudden decision. I made up my mind eight months ago. I was fed up of coming home and feeling down.

“But I haven’t said anything until now because I didn’t want to disrupt the team during the season. And I haven’t caused a big scene.”

Denilson added that his next move is unlikely to take him to another Premier League side and also had some parting words for boss Wenger and his dedication to Arsenal’s style of play.

“I can’t see myself returning in a Chelsea shirt, or Liverpool or Manchester City – and definitely not Tottenham. I think my future will be Italy or Spain,” he said.

“It’s great to play beautiful football but sometimes to be a winner you have to play ugly if you want to succeed.”