Arsenal star David Ospina has completed a season-long loan move to Serie A giants Napoli.
The Colombian was told he could leave the Emirates following the arrival of Bernd Leno, who is fighting Petr Cech for a starting berth. Ospina joined Arsenal in 2014 but made just 29 league appearances for the Gunners as he played second fiddle to Cech.
Arsenal confirmed the deal on Friday evening and thanked the 29-year-old for his service to the club. Ospina joined Arsenal in 2014
‘He was our goalkeeper in the 2017 Emirates FA Cup final win over Chelsea. He has won two FA Cups and an FA Community Shield during his time with us,’ a statement read on Arsenal’s website.
‘David is a Colombia international with 90 caps. He has represented his country at two FIFA World Cups – in 2014 and 2018. ‘We would like to wish David the very best for the season.’
Unai Emery has confirmed Cech will retain his place in goal for this weekend’s clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The veteran was mocked for his attempts to play out from the back against Manchester City on the opening weekend but pulled off a number of fine saves to deny the likes of Raheem Sterling and Aymeric Laport
Ospina began his career at Atlético Nacional, making his debut with the club in 2005. After achieving two domestic titles with Los Verdolagas, Ospina joined French side Nice. In 2014, he joined Arsenal on a four-year deal.
Ospina has been representing his country at a full international level since 2007. Upon his debut against Uruguay, he became the second-youngest goalkeeper to play for Colombia. He has since earned over 90 caps for his nation and has appeared at three Copa Américas and two World Cups.
Ospina had his first international experience representing Colombia’s under-20 team. Ospina was called up for the first time in the national U-20 team for 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship. At only 16 years old, Ospina was the youngest member of the squad, however he did not play any game during the whole tournament. Ospina was called back for the 2007 South American U-20 Championship, where he played four games. However, Colombia failed to qualify for the World Cup, the last youth tournament he had the opportunity to play in.
Ospina made his debut for the senior team as a substitute in the 1–3 defeat against Uruguay. He played his first match in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Bolivia, becoming the second-youngest goalkeeper to play for the Colombian national team.
Ospina was selected as the main goalkeeper for Colombia throughout the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification competition. At the end of the qualifiers, Ospina conceded the fewest number of goals of the tournament.
At the 2014 World Cup, Ospina appeared in all of Colombia’s matches and conceded four goals throughout the tournament.
In May 2018 he was named in Colombia’s preliminary 35 man squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Despite saving a penalty against Jordan Henderson in the Round of 16 penalty shoot-out against England, Colombia were eliminated 3–4 on penalties.