Former Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino has said he joined German club VfL Bochum to enjoy football again after a difficult period in his career. The 22-year-old, who left the Gunners in 2024, has struggled for regular first-team football since his early promise at the Emirates.
Early promise at Arsenal
Patino came through the ranks at Arsenal and made two senior appearances for the club. He scored on his debut in a League Cup win against Sunderland. He was then sent on loan to Championship sides Blackpool and Swansea City to gain experience.
Despite that promise, he surprisingly left Arsenal in 2024 to join Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna. After two years there, he moved again this summer to VfL Bochum.
Reasons for the move
Asked why his career has not gone as expected, Patino told Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung: "I like pressure. Pressure creates diamonds."
He added: "There are simply certain factors I can’t control. Every player dreams of playing in every game and being in the starting XI, but sometimes coaches see things differently; they want other things. Not everyone’s career progresses smoothly and steadily. Everyone has their own path, their own steps. I’m here now and ready for a new challenge."
Rosler influence and adapting to Germany
Patino said Bochum boss Uwe Rosler was a key factor in his decision to join the club. "I had good talks with the coach and the club. He knew me from my time in the Championship. He’s a legend at Manchester City," he said.
He also explained his desire to rediscover his enjoyment of the game. "I come to training every day and try to improve in every area. With the support of the coach and his staff, I’m in a good place to do that," he said.
"Of course, I’m still getting used to the German league and want to get back to enjoying football – going onto the pitch and really thinking: It’s a privilege to be here. Because it’s been a couple of difficult seasons. When I played in Hannover two weeks ago, that was really something special."
Physical demands of the Bundesliga
Patino noted the difference between the Spanish and German leagues. "There’s a big difference between Spain and Germany. It’s much more physical here, there are many more challenges. I had a bit more experience with that when I played in the Championship; that wasn’t the case in Spain," he said.
"Now I have to be ready for the challenges and individual duels, both in matches and in training. Every session is physically demanding and tough, and that will help me develop as a player."
