David Bentley left Arsenal just a few months after signing a new long-term contract in a shocking move, despite already being tipped to become a hero at the club. Looking back, however, the former winger regrets his decision to leave.Bentley came through the ranks at Arsenal, where he was considered one of the top young players in the country. There were high expectations surrounding him as he developed, and after several loan spells, Arsenal were ready to give him more opportunities in the first team.He subsequently signed a five-year contract with the club, but only a few months later, he asked to leave. His impatience stemmed from a lack of belief in the plan Arsene Wenger had for his career. The Frenchman wanted to ease him into the first team, but Bentley did not trust that approach and eventually secured a move to Blackburn.Bentley admits he could have stayedBentley would later move to Tottenham, while many believe he could have achieved more during his career if he had been patient and remained at Arsenal instead of leaving when he did.He has now explained the decision behind his departure and acknowledged that he may have made the wrong choice. As quoted by Football London, Bentley said:“[I left Arsenal because] I wanted to play. I signed a five-year deal and left after six months! Wenger was like, ‘No, do this.’ He had a plan, didn’t he? But I couldn’t see that plan. Didn’t trust it.Bentley reflects on Arsenal opportunity“Potentially, I could have stayed; I should have stayed. Remember, I saw the young lads come through, Cesc. I made my debut with Fabregas, my full debut.”Bentley’s comments highlight his frustration at the time and his later regret over leaving Arsenal so soon after committing his future to the club. Wenger clearly had a plan for his development, but Bentley was unwilling to wait for the opportunities he wanted.His eventual move to Blackburn gave him the chance to play more regularly, but his career would later take him to Tottenham. Looking back, Bentley now accepts that remaining at Arsenal could have provided a different path and potentially allowed him to fulfil more of the promise he showed as a young player.The decision remains one Bentley reflects on with regret, particularly because he had already established himself as a highly rated prospect within the Arsenal setup._____________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsDavid Bentley regrets leaving Arsenal as he explains why he did8 August 2026, 18:15Arsenal asks about signing Inter Milan attacker8 August 2026, 17:00Arsenal admires Real Madrid star who could be heading to England8 August 2026, 16:00The post David Bentley regrets leaving Arsenal as he explains why he did appeared first on Just Arsenal News.