Bellerin backs Wenger while refuting Barcelona links

Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has confirmed his loyalty towards Arsene Wenger amid speculation linking him with a Barcelona return.

Despite him penning a long-term deal with the north London lot in November, there have been consistent rumours connecting the speedy full-back with the Catalan giant. And with Arsenal suffering a relatively dire campaign, Bellerin has again been asked about the club he left in 2011.

In replying to the seemingly never-ending La Liga-related queries, he has both hushed that talk while showing support for his embattled manager.

"The loyalty one has to a person is worth more than money, it is something that is very important for me. And him being there carries a lot of weight for me," Bellerin told Mundo Deportivo, courtesy of ESPN FC.

While admitting that he's "flattered" by Barcelona's interest, Bellerin is happy to stay put at Arsenal.

"Yes, any player would have interest in Barcelona. They are the best club in the world and that is something really special," Bellerin said. "The fact that I grew up in Barcelona's academy also gives the idea even more a bit of being special. Now, though, I am focused on the matches remaining this season, not on what might come later. I am very flattered."

After leaving Barcelona's famed academy in 2011, Bellerin has emerged as one of Europe's best full-backs while in the Premier League, and even with Blaugrana sporting director Robert Fernandez targeting the Spanish international, he reiterated that his career arc has followed an intended path.

"When I left Barca my idea was that I would never return because my transfer (to Arsenal in 2011) was a bit complicated," he said. "But like others who say that they left with the idea of returning, I went to have the adventure of England, to try to be a better football player and to not return.

"But no one knows what the future holds and you can never close any doors."

Spoken like a true professional.