David Bentley has revealed he left Arsenal just six months after signing a five-year contract because he did not trust manager Arsene Wenger's plan. The former midfielder shared his thoughts on the Undr The Cosh podcast, reflecting on his early exit from the club where he rose through the youth ranks.
Early Career and Quick Exit
Bentley joined Arsenal at age 13 and signed his first professional deal in 2001. He made his debut under Wenger in 2003 but spent time on loan at Norwich City in 2004. Upon returning, he handed in a transfer request and eventually moved to Blackburn Rovers in January 2006.
Speaking on the podcast, Bentley explained the pressures of that era: "When we were playing, you were under much more pressure than players are nowadays. Much more pressure. Because, if you found yourself out the team, you were criticised more than you are now. Now, you're a squad player. Just having a rest, not in the squad today."
Why He Left
Bentley said: "[I left Arsenal because] I wanted to play. I signed a five-year deal and left after six months! Wenger was like, 'No, do this.' He had a plan, didn't he? But I couldn't see that plan. Didn't trust it." He admitted he potentially should have stayed, especially after witnessing the emergence of Cesc Fabregas.
He recalled: "I made my debut with Fabregas - my full debut. Absolutely unbelievable performance from him. We beat Wolves 5-1 at Highbury. He dominated the game at 15 years old. I was only like 17. Eighteen months older, or two years older than him."
Career After Arsenal
After leaving, Bentley's time at Blackburn proved to be the peak of his career. He was named the club's Player of the Year in 2007 and attracted interest from Manchester United. In 2008, he moved to Tottenham Hotspur for £15 million, where his first goal was a stunning 43-yard volley in a 4-4 draw against his former club.
However, that goal was not a sign of things to come. Bentley went on loan four times while at Spurs—to Birmingham City, West Ham, FC Rostov, and back to Blackburn—before retiring at age 29 after being released by Tottenham.
