Charlie Patino: I didn’t get the pathway I deserved at Arsenal | OneFootball

In an exclusive interview with the Guardian’s Sid Lowe, Charlie Patiño opened up about his decision to leave Arsenal.

Despite being hailed as a future star of the club, and even scoring on his first-team debut in 2021, Patiño found his pathway to consistent first-team football blocked.

The midfielder, who joined Arsenal at the age of 11, eventually made the difficult decision to move on, citing a lack of opportunity and communication from the club.

Charlie Patino playing for Swansea City (Photo via Patino on Instagram)

“It’s just about timing really,” Patiño told Lowe. “And the timing wasn’t meant to be at Arsenal.”

The 21-year-old midfielder, despite his obvious potential, found himself behind established stars like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard. He spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Blackpool and Swansea City, accumulating valuable game time in the Championship.

However, Patiño realised that despite his best efforts, the pathway he desired at Arsenal remained out of reach.

“I felt I didn’t really get the communication or pathway I wanted or felt I deserved,” he admitted. The midfielder suggested that the club’s immediate focus on winning the Premier League, with its high standards and need for consistency, may have overshadowed his development.

Charlie Patino and Gabriel Jesus in training with the Arsenal first team (Photo via Arsenal.com)

As Arsenal chased domestic glory, young players like Patiño were left with limited opportunities, their future hanging on the decisions made by a manager under pressure to deliver results.

Patiño’s time at Arsenal began with much promise. He joined the Gunners in 2015 and swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming an England youth captain and earning a reputation for his intelligence and composure on the ball.

When he scored on his debut in a Carabao Cup match against Sunderland in December 2021, it seemed that a bright future at the Emirates awaited. The moment was one of elation for the young talent, who described how even players like Alexandre Lacazette had welcomed him warmly into the first-team fold.

Arsenal’s English midfielder Charlie Patino, who scored a goal on his debut, applauds supporters on the pitch after the English League Cup quarter-final football match between Arsenal and Sunderland at the Emirates Stadium in London on December 21, 2021. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

However, the opportunities failed to materialise. “Academy football and first-team football are two different things,” Patiño said. “Academy football, everyone plays. First-team football is ruthless. They have to win. You’re in the squad. You’re out the squad. You’re in the 11. You’re not in the 11. It kills some people mentally. That’s why psychologists are in the game.”

Despite the mental toll of uncertainty, Patiño remained resilient, stating he never questioned whether football was the right career for him: “I’ve always loved the game, played with a smile; there are tough moments but when it’s good it’s the best feeling.”

After multiple seasons and little movement forward, Patiño chose to leave North London.

He moved to Deportivo de La Coruña for £1m, honouring his family’s deep ties to the club. “It was a no-brainer in the end,” he said. The move came as a surprise to some Arsenal fans, but for Patiño, the decision was about more than just football – it was about reconnecting with his heritage and finding a fresh start in a system that better suited his style.

Charlie Patino signs his 1st pro contract with Arsenal with Academy Director Per Mertesacker. Arsenal Training Ground. London Colney, Herts, 16/10/20. Credit : Arsenal Football Club / David Price.

He felt that Spanish football was a natural fit for his skills and could offer him the kind of footballing education that would allow him to thrive.

His new manager at Deportivo, Imanol Idiakez, has been cautious in integrating Patiño, perhaps more so than many anticipated. In his first four games for Deportivo, Patiño did not play a single minute, which sparked discontent among fans eager to see the young talent in action.

Patiño did eventually make his debut at the end of September, featuring for seven minutes against Albacete, but hasn’t played since. Despite the slow start, he remains patient. “It’s patience, timing. Wait, be ready. Watching games I think: ‘I want to play. I’m going to cause some damage.’”

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 21: Charlie Patino of Arsenal (R) and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrate following their side’s victory in the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Sunderland at Emirates Stadium on December 21, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The former Arsenal man acknowledges that while his time in North London did not go as he had hoped, he has no regrets. “It is what it is. Some don’t get what they want and go and thrive somewhere else and that’s OK,” Patiño said.

“Arsenal are not the only football club in the world. There are hundreds of teams competing at the highest level.”

He doesn’t rule out the possibility of returning to Arsenal one day but is firmly focused on his current task at Deportivo.

For now, his ambition is clear: to light up the Spanish second division and help Depor in their journey back to the top flight.