Marcel Desailly, a former Chelsea defender, has issued an apology to Arsenal’s William Saliba, retracting his previous statement that the French defender was not talented enough to become a top player. In a recent interview, Desailly acknowledged that his initial assessment of Saliba was incorrect, citing the player’s rapid adaptation to the Premier League and his significant contributions to Arsenal’s success under manager Mikel Arteta.
Desailly praised Saliba’s leadership and consistency, noting that the 24-year-old has become an integral part of Arsenal’s team and a key factor in the club’s improvement. He expressed surprise at Saliba’s rapid growth, stating that he has not yet reached his full potential. The former Chelsea player also highlighted Saliba’s importance to the French national team, ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Saliba joined Arsenal in 2019, but his progress was initially hindered by injuries and loan spells. However, since his return to the club, he has established himself as a regular starter and a vital component of the team’s defense. Desailly’s apology reflects the significant impact Saliba has had on Arsenal’s fortunes, with the club now competing for major honors.
France’s national team is also set to benefit from Saliba’s emergence, with Desailly emphasizing the country’s luck in having a top-class center-back available for selection. As the FIFA World Cup approaches, Saliba’s performances will be closely watched, and his continued growth and development are expected to be crucial to both his club and country’s success.
The apology from Desailly serves as a testament to Saliba’s hard work and dedication, which have enabled him to prove his doubters wrong and establish himself as a talented and influential player. With his reputation growing, Saliba is likely to play a key role in Arsenal’s future endeavors and France’s World Cup campaign, making him a player to watch in the coming months.
