Welbeck - I can play with freedom

 By Lloyd Webb

Danny Welbeck says he can play with added freedom under Arsene Wenger.

The striker impressed following his arrival from Manchester United in September 2014, claiming four Premier League goals in his first season before he was ruled out with a knee injury.

Welbeck says it is an “honour” to tell people he has played under Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson and he is loving life in north London.

“Both [managers] have that presence and both are legends in the modern game,” he told Arsenal Player. “What can I say? They have won plenty of trophies between them and I have worked under Sir Alex and Arsene Wenger and it is a great honour to say that, but I want to be the best that I can be.

“I definitely feel free. Before we go out against a team we have analysed before hand [Arsene Wenger] gives the team a few pointers of what he wants us to be doing on the pitch and the lads stick to that. But he also gives you the freedom to express yourself and play the way you want to play.”

Welbeck had knee surgery in September but is expected to return in the New Year and admits he has had to find the positives from a tough situation.

“It is difficult,” he said. “It is my first injury that has kept me out for so long. I had my operation and once that is sorted you can be out for a few more months.

“For the first month, in a leg brace, not being able to do anything, on a machine six hours a day, it was very difficult. But you have to try and see the positives. Luckily I had my family around me, my friends came down to London and I had my brothers.

“It was good to have people around me and have that support. You wake up in the morning and know you have double sessions in the gym it is hard but you have to see the positive side and I have learnt a lot more being injured on how to look after your body and prevent injuries. I have to see the positive side and hopefully when I come back, I will be flying.”