He was loved by Arsene Wenger, but now can’t watch Arsenal games for one devastating reason

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Plenty of players who once represented Arsenal still keep up with the club, but one figure revealed why he chooses not to. 

Some who have worn the cannon have been fans of the club, seeing their association with Arsenal stem far deeper than simply employment. 

Others left N5 and didn’t look back, but for some, the reminder of life at the Emirates is too painful to reminisce about.

One former Gunner who can relate to such is Denilson, who spent seven years of his playing career associated with Arsenal. 

Why Denilson struggles to watch Arsenal games

Arsene Wenger made the decision to sign Denilson, whom he described as ‘hungry’ for success, via Sky Sports, from Sao Paulo back in 2006, welcoming the upcoming talent to the Emirates to join a squad littered with superstars. 

Thierry Henry admitted he was blown away by Denilson, crediting how seamlessly the Brazilian adapted to the English game as he became a Premier League regular.

Though the midfielder lived his dream by playing for Arsenal, it wasn’t all rosy for the now-retired star.

Denilson left Arsenal after coming to terms with just how much of a strain missing his homeland was having on his mental health and, subsequently, his form on the pitch.

In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, Denilson revealed all, including why he struggles to keep up with his former club. 

“It would be too nostalgic,” Denilson responded when asked if he watches Arsenal’s matches.

“I miss the club too much,” he continued.

“I’ve never been back to England. I’d like to go back, at least to visit the club and watch a match. I do miss it.”

Having made 153 appearances for Arsenal, Denilson spent a lot of his career in N5, but his sadness and yearning to return to Brazil were too much to extend his stay under Wenger’s guidance.

What happened to Denilson?

The 2008/09 season was a standout one for Denilson in the Premier League, as he scored three goals and recorded seven assists in 37 appearances.

Sadly, his rise was ultimately the beginning of the end, as after that campaign, he failed to record more than 20 appearances in a Premier League year. 

In 2011, Denilson returned to his boyhood club of Sao Paulo on loan before re-signing for the Brazilian side permanently in the summer of 2013.

After leaving Sao Paulo, the former Gunner played elsewhere in Brazil as well as spending time in the UAE and Malta before retiring.

It was a fast ride at the top for Denilson, whose career was rocked by the challenges of missing home and combating the sadness that accompanied his loneliness in England.