Kai Havertz has revealed the family mentality about the Arsenal squad is one of the key reasons that convinced him to join the club.
The German has completed a 65m move from London rivals Chelsea, signing on a long-term deal and becomes the Gunners’ first addition of the summer.
After three years at Stamford Bridge, Kai Havertz is now set to be a part of a new-shape Arsenal side, as Mikel Arteta looks to build on a Gunners side that exceeded expectations last season.
Arsenal qualified for the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons and Kai Havertz is looking forward to playing with his new teammates and starring in the prestigious competition alongside.
Havertz’ first words as an Arsenal player
Speaking exclusively to Arsenal.com, Kai said: “It’s super exciting for me personally. I’m so glad to join this amazing club. This club has such a big history, and I hope we we can achieve lots of things, and I’m just looking forward to meeting all the players, the staff, and yeah, it’s going to be exciting.”
Speaking about his time at Chelsea, the 24-year-old admitted that playing against Arsenal was always a difficult ask, due to the togetherness shown by the Gunners on the pitch.
“I think the family mentality that the team has on the pitch is one of the reasons why it so hard to play against Arsenal,” he said.
“I guess they have it off the pitch as well. So the team mentality in the squad is very, very high and you can feel that. Obviously there’s so many talented players and there’s big room to achieve big things as well.”
Kai will wear the number 29 shirt for Arsenal and took time to explain the significance behind his “lucky” number.
“I have had it now for many years,” he said.
“I chose it when I became professional in Germany, and since then, it’s always given me luck. When I became professional I took it because it has some history with my brother. We used to take it always when we played some video games together. I think it’s the perfect number!”
Next season will see Arsenal return to the Champions League after a six-season absence, a competition that Havertz is well familiar with, having won it back in 2021, scoring the decisive goal in the final vs Manchester City.
“I think the Champions League is a special tournament and I think every football player just loves to play there,” he said.
“I was fortunate to win the trophy and for me it was the best feeling I’ve ever had. So to play there again next season with Arsenal is very exciting for me. Hopefully I can bring some good attributes into the team, hopefully to win the trophy again. Because I think it’s the most special trophy to win.”
