'I starred for Arsenal and Liverpool - this was the difference between the two'

I starred for Arsenal and Liverpool - This was the difference between the two

Former Liverpool and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain shared reflections on his career as he trains once again with Arsenal while searching for a new club.

Career Overview

Oxlade-Chamberlain began his journey at Southampton’s academy before joining Arsenal in 2011. Over six years, he made 198 appearances and contributed to three FA Cup victories with the Gunners. In 2017, he transferred to Liverpool for £35 million, where he achieved significant success including winning the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup, and Club World Cup.

Personal vs Professional Experience

Speaking on the Fozcast, the 32-year-old midfielder revealed that although his Liverpool period was professionally more rewarding, his happiest personal moments were at Arsenal.

“I was happiest in a sense of life, at Arsenal. I had a lot of friends – I had a lot of mates from back home who were at university, didn’t have kids, didn’t have wives, so they were always coming to the games.”

“We had a good group of young players at Arsenal – me, Danny Welbeck, Jack Wilshere, Kieran Gibbs, Emmanuel Eboué, Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Carl Jenkinson – these sort of lads who were all young, doing the same thing, at the same time, and just loving it and having a great time.”

Summary

Oxlade-Chamberlain fondly recalls his youth and camaraderie at Arsenal as the highlight of his life, while professionally his Liverpool years brought unparalleled success.

Author's Note

This reflection highlights the contrast between personal happiness and professional success in a footballer’s career journey.

The Mirror — 2025-11-06