Arsenal misfit disappointed not to find new club.
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Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner admits he is disappointed not to have sealed a move away from the club this summer, according to Sky Sports.
The Danish international has not played for the club since 2011, having spent the last two seasons out on loan in unsuccessful spells, first with Sunderland, and then with Juventus last season, during which he failed to score a single goal.
Despite once being thought of as one of the most promising young players at Arsenal, Bendtner has failed to achieve his potential at the club and no longer features in the first-team plans of manager Arsene Wenger, who had hoped to sell him along with other squad players Marouane Chamakh and Gervinho this summer.
As it happens, the 25-year-old is now the club’s main backup to main striker Olivier Giroud, as the Gunners failed to bring in targets such as Gonzalo Higuain this summer, as well as missing out on a loan move for Chelsea’s Demba Ba in the dying hours of the transfer window.
Bendtner had been linked with the likes of Hull and Crystal Palace, but a move never materialised for him, and he has hinted that Arsenal would not sanction a move due to fear of a lack of backup at the club.
He released a statement, saying: “It’s no secret that Arsenal and myself had agreed that I could leave the club during the 2013 summer transfer window subject to an agreement between all parties.
“An agreement had been reached with more than one club this week but as Arsenal were unable to secure the services of another striker, they reserved their right to not sanction any deal to be concluded.
“Naturally, I was very disappointed as I was looking forward to a new challenge, with a new club and a fresh start in English football.”
However, he added that he would now focus on improving his fitness and form to play to his best for Arsenal, a club he says he still cares a great deal for.
“I still feel very strongly about Arsenal Football Club and, following positive talks with the manager, I am looking forward to working hard to regain full fitness and doing my very best to help to the team and the manager fulfill our objectives and ambitions this season,” he said.
“I’ve learnt a lot from my loan experiences at Sunderland and Juventus, and I want to assure all Arsenal fans that I will give everything I have to contribute to what I believe will be a successful season for the club.”