Leandro Trossard, a key player for Arsenal, has been part of the club since joining from Brighton in January 2023. Ahead of a Champions League match against Dinamo Zagreb, which marked his 100th appearance for the Gunners, Trossard found himself in the spotlight due to comments made by his manager, Mikel Arteta. Arteta had previously called Trossard Arsenal’s biggest “moaner,” something that sparked attention. Despite Arteta’s statement, which was meant to highlight Trossard’s competitive nature, the Belgian forward responded publicly to the label.
Arteta had made the remark about Trossard’s tendency to voice dissatisfaction, specifically noting that he was vocal in his desire to win and often expressed frustration over decisions he disagreed with. Arteta appreciated this, seeing it as a sign of Trossard’s determination and competitive spirit. He explained that Trossard’s attitude in training and matches, whether in disagreement with a referee’s decision or in wanting to do his best, was a reflection of his drive to succeed. Arteta believed that this attitude, while sometimes coming across as a complaint, was rooted in a desire to perform at his highest level.
However, Trossard himself was quick to address this label of being a “moaner.” He clarified that he saw himself as a winner rather than someone who complained. For Trossard, his competitive nature drove him to demand more from himself, his teammates, and even the referees when he felt decisions were unfair. Trossard admitted that sometimes his body language might suggest unhappiness, especially when a decision went against him, but he stressed that it stemmed from his strong desire to win. He emphasized that this was not just his personal goal but something that all football players should strive for. He recognized that wanting to start every match was a natural feeling, but he also pointed out that even when he wasn’t starting, he was always prepared to make an impact off the bench.
Trossard, who is now 30 years old, also took the opportunity to discuss his future at Arsenal. With his contract having 18 months left, along with an additional year option, Trossard made it clear that he was happy at the club and focused solely on his football. While there was speculation surrounding his contract situation, he chose not to worry about it. Instead, he expressed his satisfaction with the team, the manager, and the club’s ambitions, underlining his desire to win trophies with Arsenal. He believed that the squad was strong and that the support from Arteta and his teammates was a driving force behind his own performance.
Despite Arteta’s comments about him being a “moaner,” Trossard maintained that his behavior was rooted in a passion for winning and that this attitude, although sometimes misunderstood, was essential for any footballer aiming to achieve success. His competitive spirit was not something he apologized for, but rather something he believed was necessary to push both himself and the team forward. Trossard’s focus remained on helping the team win, whether he was starting on the pitch or coming on as a substitute.
Arsenal, under Arteta’s leadership, had shown significant improvement, and Trossard was excited to be a part of that transformation. He wanted to contribute to the team’s goals and was committed to being a positive influence, regardless of his role in each match. Trossard’s comments reflected a deeper understanding of his role within the squad and his desire to constantly improve. He was aware that, at times, his emotions might be on display, especially when things did not go his way, but he emphasized that this was just part of being a professional who cared deeply about winning.
For Trossard, his future at Arsenal was tied to his desire for success. He was optimistic about the club’s potential and believed that with Arteta at the helm, Arsenal could continue to grow and challenge for major honors. His relationship with Arteta, despite the playful jabs, seemed to be built on mutual respect, with Trossard recognizing the manager’s ability to push him to be better every day.
As Trossard looked ahead to his 100th appearance for the club, he reflected on his journey from Brighton to Arsenal and expressed pride in what he had accomplished so far. His time at Arsenal had already been marked by some memorable performances, and he was eager to continue making an impact on the pitch. He was also aware of the expectations that came with being at a club like Arsenal and the responsibility that came with it. For him, that responsibility was about pushing himself and his teammates to achieve the best possible results.
Trossard’s response to Arteta’s comment about him being a “moaner” showcased his confidence in his own approach to football. He was not someone who would back down from expressing his dissatisfaction when necessary, but he also understood the importance of channeling that frustration into motivation. His desire to win was at the core of his mentality, and he saw it as an essential part of his character as a professional footballer.
As he prepared to make his 100th appearance for Arsenal, Trossard was focused on continuing to develop as a player and contributing to the team’s success. He knew that in football, things could change quickly, but he was determined to make the most of his time at Arsenal and help the club reach its goals. He was happy with the progress Arsenal had made under Arteta, and he hoped that the team could continue to build on their successes and challenge for more trophies in the future. Trossard’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to do whatever it took to help the team win were qualities that would continue to serve him well as he looked to make his mark at Arsenal for years to come.
