Saturday 22 October 2016 09:11, UK
Summer signing Lucas Perez has admitted he expected to have more of a starring role at Arsenal – but says he is determined to make the most of his opportunities.
The 28-year-old forward joined the Gunners from La Liga side Deportivo La Coruna for £17.1m in August, signing a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium.
But a knee injury and fine form of Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott has seen Perez restricted to just five first-team outings.
Perez, who netted twice in the 4-0 EFL Cup victory over Sky Bet Championship side Nottingham Forest in September, made his first appearance in nearly a month on Wednesday as a second-half substitute in the 6-0 Champions League win over Ludogorets.
"When I first arrived here I expected to have more of a starring role," he told Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
"The team-mates that are playing in my position are doing a great job. We have won seven games in a row and, at the end of the day, the coach wants what is best for the team.
"I had hoped to have more playing time, but what I have to do now is make the most of the opportunities I get."
Perez will be hoping to play some part on Saturday as Arsenal attempt to make it eight successive victories in all competitions when they host Middlesbrough in the Premier League.
