As Arsenal prepare to take on Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League, the links between the two clubs in the past have been made clear.
For example, Arsenal signed Eduardo from Dinamo Zagreb in 2007, with hopes that he could offer something to the frontline.
Unfortunately, a horror injury got the better of him and he struggled to pick up many appearances after for the Gunners.
The Brazilian isn’t the only player to make the switch between Arsenal and Dinamo Zagreb, with the Champions League tie bringing back memories of another move.
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Former Arsenal academy ace Robbie Burton left Arsenal to join Dinamo Zagreb
Coming through the Hale End academy ranks, Robbie Burton was one of the up-and-coming young stars at Arsenal.
The midfielder made 34 appearances for the under-18s before 31 matches with the under-21s, which included several times with the captaincy.
In 2020, looking for first-team football, Burton decided to leave the Gunners and joined Dinamo Zagreb in a surprise switch to Croatia.
Discussing the move back in 2021, he told The Sun: “When the offer came from Dinamo, it was very hard to turn down. I don’t have any regrets about leaving Arsenal.
“I supported them as a kid and I had 14 years there, so I always wanted to play for the first team. I was disappointed that I never got a competitive game for them.
“Getting this chance has helped me as a footballer and as a person. I could have stayed in England and not come out of my comfort zone.
“I could have stayed at Arsenal for another year. Taking this step was a leap into the unknown. I’m glad I did it.”
Burton did go on to win the Croatian League title and the Croatian Cup, but only made 17 appearances for the side in the end.
Robbie Burton’s career since leaving Arsenal
For Burton, a boyhood Arsenal fan, it was a shame that he never got to make a first-team appearance for the club.
Moving on to a new club and country was always going to be a risk, one that came with just a handful of appearances.
The 25-year-old went on to have a loan spell at NK Istra and Sligo Rovers – before joining the latter permanently in August 2023.
After a short stay though, he left in January 2024 and currently remains without a club, leaving one year since his last competitive fixtures.
| Club | Appearances |
| Dinamo Zagreb | 17 |
| NK Istra | 1 |
| Sligo Rovers | 21 |
It remains to be seen where is next for Burton as he looks to forge on with his professional playing career.
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