England Starlet Chris Willock Reveals Why He Left Arsenal For Benfica

By The Editor
on 3rd July 2017

Chris Willock hoping for England chance…

Former Arsenal teenager Chris Willock is hoping that his move to Benfica will force him into the England setup after making the tough move this week.

Willock, who had been highly regarded as our best academy product of his generation, yet was allowed to run down his contract and walk for free this summer.

Arsene Wenger has waxed lyrical on Willock in the past, and even included him in our pre-season plans at the tender age of 16.

The silky midfielder may not have developed physically as quickly as some at Arsenal may have hoped, but he’s certainly looking to make the step up senior international level.

“Benfica is a top club and everyone around the world watches Benfica,” Willock said.

“If I do well hear and carry on doing what I’m doing, I will definitely get selected.”

While going abroad is a bold move many experts have encouraged young English footballers to make, it’s hard to see how Willock feels he can get Gareth Southgates attention while playing in Portugal.

Also, I can’t help but feel a Premier League club is behind his move to Portugal, with the midfielder potentially moving back in 12 months time and save said club from paying a hefty compensation fee.

Tottenham Hotspur did it to Manchester United with Zeki Fryers…