Arsenal defender Rob Holding has revealed that he was very close to leaving the club during the winter transfer window but was convinced to stay by manager Arsene Wenger.
He was a surprise summer signing last year when he joined the Gunners from Bolton Wanderers for a fee rumoured to around £2million.
He struggled to enjoy regular first-team football in the first part of the season but is expected to start today against Chelsea in the FA Cup Final.
"I didn't leave in January as the boss wanted me around the team. He saw me playing," he told the Evening Standard.
"I just had to listen to him and keep working hard on the things he mentioned. That has spoken for itself over the last few games.
"I got a look in at the start of the season and then some cup games. After that it was just about being on the training pitch, putting the work in and getting another chance.
"Since I got the chance, I've managed to take it and the boss has shown some faith in me to keep me in the team."
