One afternoon during his late teens Héctor Bellerín received an invitation from Mikel Arteta to visit. Expecting a meal he arrived to find a financial planner instead. They reviewed every expense from clothes to cars and he felt awkward admitting his spending habits. He departed with fresh perspective on responsibility and support.

Mikel showed early that Bellerín mattered to him personally. Care came through guidance rather than embraces. The young player thanked him and received a simple reply about passing the same help forward. That moment of genuine attention still shapes how Bellerín treats younger teammates today.

More than ten years on those shared experiences in London continue to define the 31-year-old full-back now at Real Betis. He will meet his old side in a pre-season match in Dublin. Arsenal arrive as champions yet Bellerín has never played against them. A planned loan encounter ended with injury that arrived at the worst possible time.

He speaks warmly of the club while seated in training gear outside Dublin. Memories include kindness from senior players and the harsh realities of the sport. He discusses wider issues too including the commercial pressures that frustrate him and his own refusal to stay silent on matters he believes in.

Despite industry flaws he remains devoted to football and insists he belongs on the pitch. Most of all he returns to Arsenal with affection noting many familiar faces from players to staff. London offered space to grow and the club became the setting where his outlook took shape.

Early days involved staying with a family in Enfield alongside teammate Jon Toral. Sunday roasts and bus journeys to training created independence on modest wages. Over the years he lived in varied spots including a historic farmhouse during the pandemic. Those years built lasting habits and connections.

He missed the title parade due to fixtures yet felt included through messages from old colleagues. Conversations with former teammates Nacho Monreal and Santi Cazorla highlighted belief in Arteta long before success arrived. Training sessions with the coach revealed a distinctive tactical approach that still influences Bellerín daily and has lengthened his career.

The shift from teammate to coach brought initial awkwardness yet honest dialogue remained. Multiple talks preceded his departure which both sides handled calmly. He needed proximity to family and roots after a decade away. Leaving still proved daunting because Arsenal had been home and the future felt uncertain.

Betis provided the right environment matching his values around sustainability and community. The dressing-room culture felt open and supportive unlike previous experiences. Seville welcomed his interests beyond the game and the move has benefited both club and player as Arsenal reached the top and Betis secured European football.