Denis Suarez has revealed that a build up of fluid on his groin left him struggling to even do the basics during his ill-fated spell at Arsenal last season.
The Spain international joined the Gunners on loan from Barcelona in January 2019, but ended up playing just 67 minutes in the Premier League across four substitute appearances before being sent back.
Suarez claims he turned down the chance to join AC Milan, Sevilla and Real Betis permanently in order to seal a dream move to the Emirates, and was hopeful that then-manager, Unai Emery, would keep him after the loan period.
However, after picking up a troublesome injury in the Europa League, the midfielder was never able to regain full fitness and had to try and play through the pain barrier.
'I played in my first game against Manchester City and then 10 days later I got injured (in the first leg) against BATE Borisov in the Europa League,' Suarez, who joined Celta Vigo last summer, told The Athletic.
'I had too much pain in my groin. I did tests and scans and nothing was in my groin, but there was a big edema (build-up of fluid) around the pubic bone.
'I had sharp pain when I ran, when I shot, when I passed. It was so difficult. I was at something like 30 per cent of my fitness.'
Suarez also featured for a combined 28 minutes in Europe, but failed to score, register an assist or play a key pass during any of his time on the pitch for Arsenal.
Asked if he ever felt 100 per cent fit during his time at the Emirates, he added: 'The first week. Only that. I felt it getting worse.
'After the match against BATE Borisov, I had incredible pain. Every movement, every change of direction, every shot. I tried to train through the pain. It became unsustainable. I was not in a state to play at my best. Unai could not play me as he knew I was not even near 50 per cent.'
Waocdemnr
0
Hes trying his very best at Arsenal, mikel Arteta is going to bring his talent back
This guy is talking like he just came out of a coma after 20 years
Hoyacekmsu
1
we forgive you and Emery for such scam.
Spain-❤️
0
Fgyccfiljcfuljvbh crkln cc cfhrswaqasghkiub hgfnkgfhjjhhh Hunt ug Co if guy hi hv hi hv is ug tv boo oh guy hi in hi ok b if go if mmmbkk UK
whobem
0
how now..is he even still at arsenal
Arsenal is not gonna sell our best Africa captain
jotbelnpsy
0
Hes trying his very best at Arsenal, mikel Arteta is going to bring his talent back
how now..is he even still at arsenal
whobem
0
a you okay??
it's the truth
jotbelnpsy
1
Hes trying his very best at Arsenal, mikel Arteta is going to bring his talent back
a you okay??
Suubdlnuz
0
did you read through his own verdict at all???
again, he is just an average/squad player, and one doesnt need magic to spot that, as soon as Barca realized that they let him go....
Siobcdi
1
Actually I can't call Denis Suarez a flop when he was not giving playing time to proof himself.
bigLemonski
0
This guy said he was 50% a couple of months ago, now he is saying 30? Whats next.. 5?
archivaa
0
he is a flop, and whe did he sign for loan if he knew that he was only 30% fit? greedy just....even now he is just very average player
did you read through his own verdict at all???
Siainprsty
0
I like your playing games I mwas in love with him so much but una make everything bad for him, love you Denis Suarez much love
whobem
2
Hes trying his very best at Arsenal, mikel Arteta is going to bring his talent back
Suubdlnuz
0
he is a flop, and whe did he sign for loan if he knew that he was only 30% fit? greedy just....even now he is just very average player
Tobiloba2390
0
Unai emery doesn’t have sense they should have get rid of his injury and make him great
Humancal
1
Yes he was
he never got the opportunity to prove himself plus he was injured
tamcdkmst
1
he's not a flop
Yes he was
Humancal
3
he's not a flop
slm_km1
3
we(Barcelona) have killed this guy's talent