On August 10, 2025, Arsenal’s Oleksandr Zinchenko bared his soul in an emotional interview with The Guardian, revealing the deep shame he felt after being dropped by manager Mikel Arteta during the 2024-25 Premier League season. The 29-year-old Ukrainian, who described last term as his “worst season” as a professional, shared a poignant anecdote about his daughters, Eva, 3½, and Leia, 2, watching him from the stands. “Eva says to Leia, ‘Look, there’s Daddy.’ Leia looks all over the pitch but can’t find me. Eva points and says, ‘No, he’s not playing. He’s on the bench.’ Hearing that pained me a lot. It made me feel ashamed,” Zinchenko confessed, per The Sun.

Zinchenko, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in 2022 for £32 million, started only 20 league matches last season, a stark contrast to his pivotal role in Arsenal’s 2022-23 title challenge. Arteta’s preference for Jakub Kiwior and Jurrien Timber, coupled with Zinchenko’s inconsistent form, saw him relegated to the bench, per Football.London. “It was tough to accept,” he admitted, reflecting on his struggle to regain confidence. His versatility as a left-back and midfielder, once a strength, couldn’t secure his spot, with Arsenal finishing second behind Manchester City.

The emotional toll was evident in Zinchenko’s words. His daughters’ innocent exchange at Emirates Stadium underscored the personal impact of his professional setbacks. “I want to make them proud,” he said, vowing to fight for his place in the 2025-26 season. Fans on X rallied behind him, with posts like, “Zinchenko’s heart is all in!” and “Arteta needs to give him a chance.” Others, however, noted his defensive lapses, with @GoonerFan22 tweeting, “Love his passion, but he’s got to step up.”

Arteta, speaking to Sky Sports, praised Zinchenko’s resilience, saying, “His commitment is unquestionable. He’s pushing to contribute.” With Arsenal preparing for their Community Shield clash against Crystal Palace, Zinchenko’s determination to reclaim his spot is clear. His 59 caps for Ukraine and leadership in their Euro 2024 campaign add weight to his resolve, per ESPN.

Zinchenko’s candidness highlights the human side of football’s pressures. As he battles to prove himself, his story resonates with fans, reminding them that even stars face moments of doubt. Whether he can turn shame into triumph remains to be seen, but his fight is one Arsenal supporters won’t forget.