Arsenal midfielder Charlie Patino has opened up on his development at the Gunners – citing Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Chelsea icon David Luiz as positive influences during his formative years in the world of football.

Patino described playing alongside such superstars as ‘amazing’ and that his time training with them was ‘beneficial’ to his career. Additionally, he also praised the overall squad mentality that those players permeated.

Currently, the 20-year-old is enjoying a season-long loan with Championship outfit Swansea City. So far, he has made 22 league appearances for the Swans, scoring three goals.

What did Arsenal loanee Charlie Patino say in the interview?

Speaking to Sky Bet, Patino said: “When I first joined the first team at Arsenal, I think I was 17. David Luiz was still there, and he was a massive help. He would always come up to me and say, ‘Just work hard and enjoy yourself, if you need anything come speak to me’. Off the pitch, he was very helpful.

“On the pitch, Granit Xhaka, Martin Ødegaard, and even Bukayo Saka – he was still young, but I still went up to him because he followed the pathway that I ultimately want to follow. It was good for me to go and speak to him and get some information from him. Everyone was helpful when I was training with them, and when I did something nice, they were really encouraging but if I messed up, they just said ‘don’t worry, get on with it – forget about it and go again. I think that time with the first team was beneficial.

“Training with the first team every day was amazing, I learned so much from players like Martin Ødegaard, Granit Xhaka – the key players in my position. The staff there are experienced – that night was amazing, and hopefully, I’ll keep trying to get as many goals as possible.”