Hector Bellerin prepared to defy Wenger’s wishes

Hector Bellerin will risk the wrath of Arsene Wenger after saying he
will play for Spain in the Under-21 European Championships this summer.

Arsenal
boss Wenger is keen to see the full-back rest up in the summer after
the 22-year-old injured his ankle and had a spell on the sidelines.

The
right-back has struggled to regain his form and was poor against Palace
before being dropped for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final win over Man City
and Wenger has voiced his concerns over Bellerin playing in Poland.

“He
has not come back to his level since he has been injured. I think for a
while he was [still feeling his ankle],” Wenger said on Sunday.

“It is not ideal after a long season. He should have a rest and prepare for next season.”

Bellerin though is desperate to play for his country and speaking to IBTimes, said: “I really want to play.

“Representing Spain is very important. If [Spain Under 21 manager Alert] Celades gives me the chance I’ll be there.

“Those
are opinions of the managers. I have to keep working. The truth is that
I had a difficult injury but I think that I am at 100% now and I’ll try
to prove it when I get the chance.”