Eneko Angulo has written an emotional farewell letter to Real Betis as he prepares to join Arsenal as head of rehabilitation, marking a significant change in the Gunners' medical department under Mikel Arteta.
Angulo's departure from Real Betis
Angulo, who spent 12 years at Real Betis, announced his departure in a letter posted on social media. He joined the club as an intern and rose to the first team, fulfilling dreams he described as "unattainable." In his letter, he said: "It is not easy saying goodbye to you. My arrival was as unexpected as my departure is now. We were two strangers, but you've ended up becoming an inseparable part of me."
Arsenal's medical overhaul
Standard Sport understands that Angulo's appointment is part of a broader revamp of Arsenal's medical department. The club recently sacked head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal after two and a half years. While Angulo is not a direct replacement for Iqbal, his expertise in player recovery and rehabilitation is expected to strengthen the team. Despite winning the Premier League and reaching the Champions League final last season, Arsenal suffered injuries to key players including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, and Gabriel, who all spent prolonged periods on the sidelines.
Angulo's emotional goodbye
In his letter, Angulo expressed deep gratitude for his time at Betis: "I leave with millions of memories I will never forget. It's hard for me to accept that our paths are separating. It's hard for me to imagine my day-to-day life away from you. You have been more than a club, more than a team, more than a job. You have been my home." He added: "Today I leave with the peace of mind of having given everything I had. With mistakes, successes, better and worse days, but always with the same intention: to help, to contribute, and to represent you with the utmost commitment."
Impact on Arsenal
The reason for Iqbal's dismissal remains unclear, but Arsenal are making a concerted effort to improve how the medical department operates. Angulo's 12 years of experience at Real Betis, including his work with the first team, will be crucial in reducing player injuries and improving recovery times. His appointment is expected to be finalized soon, with the club already searching for a new head of sports medicine.
