Football NewsFootball.LondonUnverified source· 8 Aug 2026
Bentley: I left Arsenal because I didn't trust Wenger's plan
David Bentley signed a new five-year deal at Arsenal, then asked to leave because he didn't trust Arsene Wenger's vision.


D. Bentley
player
Player
David Bentley
Club
Arsenal
Contract
Signed five-year deal
Reason
Didn't trust Wenger's plans
What happened. David Bentley admitted he left Arsenal soon after signing a new five-year contract because he didn't trust Arsene Wenger's plans, a decision he now regrets.
- Bentley signed his first professional contract in 2001 and made his senior debut under Wenger in 2003.
- A loan to Norwich City made him return with a transfer request in mind.
- He handed in a transfer request after returning to north London.
“I didn't trust Arsene Wenger's plans.”
— David Bentley
Bentley's regret highlights the pressure young players face when doubting a manager's vision.
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'I signed five-year deal at Arsenal and left after six months – I didn't trust manager's plan'

