Ukraine spell was key for Perez progress

Lucas Perez has credited his time playing football in Ukraine for making him the player he is today and wants to prove his quality at Arsenal.

The Spanish striker was at Ukrainian Premier League side Karpaty Lviv for three seasons between 2011 and 2013 and had spells playing in Greece and Spain.

He scored 17 La Liga goals last season for Deportivo La Coruna, including seven in consecutive games, before being signed by the Gunners after they activated his £17million buyout clause.

But the 28-year-old believes leaving the comfort of his homeland was critical in personal development and said playing in the Premier League is a dream come true.

“One thing led to another and I spent three years of my life in Ukraine,” he explained.

 (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

“It was really tough because of the distance, the culture, the food, you have to adapt to the climate too. It was very difficult.

“It was a good experience because leaving Spain to go to Ukraine taught me a lot about life. It helped me to figure out what I wanted, to mature and to grow as a person and as a footballer.

“It really helped me on a personal level, but it wasn’t a great experience. It was very hard, there were some tough times.

“My dream was to play in the Premier League or La Liga.

“My career has been on an upward curve from the moment I left for Ukraine right up until today. I want to prove the kind of player I am here at a big club.”