World Boxing champion helped me reach my peak, claims Arsenal defender

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Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin has revealed how a discussion with heavyweight boxer David Haye helped him reach his physical peak.

Spaniard Bellerin faces a fresh set of challenges at Emirates Stadium this season with a new manager to convince in Unai Emery.

Switzerland veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner has also arrived as a positional rival for the incumbent right-back.

But the 23-year-old says the vegan diet he adopted 12 months ago on the advice of retired former world champion Haye has him primed for another arduous Premier League campaign.

“I learned a lot about [veganism] and asked other athletes such as David Haye. I spoke to other people involved in the movement and I decided to take the step.

“My goal was to try for three weeks but the difference I felt in my body was massive so I decided to stick to it.

“The recovery after games in my muscles and the long-term injuries that I have had before have started to recover way quicker. So why would I change something that is working for me?”Haye, who has since hung up the gloves, adopted a plant-based diet in the latter stages of a 16-year professional career.

Bellerin is now focused on adapting to the methods of ex-Paris Saint-Germain boss Emery, who is steering the Gunners away from the style ingrained by long-serving predecessor Arsene Wenger.

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“It has been very different for everyone. Loads of things have changed,” Bellerin said.

“The training has been way different. We work on different things to how we did with [Wenger].

“Both coaches have philosophies that are completely different. We are getting used to it, working really hard, understanding how they want us to train and play.”

One of Arsenal’s issues last season, among many, was the lack of depth in the right-back position. It meant that Hector Bellerin ended up being overplayed, doing 90 minutes between the two Europa League semi-finals for example.

There’s also the problem that a lack of competition for places can, even subconsciously, affect a player’s form, but this season the Spaniard knows he’s got an experienced player jockeying for position, but the 23 year old is looking at the arrival of Stephan Lichtsteiner as a positive.

The 34 year old, who has vast experience and a track record of winning things at Juventus, is someone Bellerin believes he can learn a lot from, which will be beneficial to him and the team.

In an interview with Football London, he said, “I think it’s a great addition to the squad. He’s a player with loads of top level experience and he can only help us.

“I can’t wait to learn from him. I think he’s a top defender, really solid and has a very good attacking sense as well.

“As a young player, it’s good to have someone like that I can learn from.”

If the Swiss international can help Bellerin develop as a defender, then it can only be a good thing for him and the team as they head into a new season.

The Gunners continue their preparations tonight with a game against Chelsea in Dublin.

 

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