Hector Bellerin insists Arsenal’s warm-weather training trip to Dubai isn’t a ‘holiday’

The Gunners are one of a number of Premier League sides taking advantage of the winter break by jetting to warmer climes

Hector Bellerin of Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Hector Bellerin insists Arsenal have “come to work” on their warm-weather training trip to Dubai.

The Gunners are one of a number of Premier League sides taking advantage of the winter break by jetting to warmer climes over the fortnight.

Mikel Arteta’s side face Newcastle on their return to action at the weekend.

And Bellerin insists the getaway will do the team good.

“For us it’s very important that, when you’ve had so many games, to have a break like this to recharge our batteries and also have some team bonding,” he told Arsenal’s website.

“Everything about it is really positive, I’m happy and all the boys are really happy as well. After the staff came in it’s also a chance to get together, not just with the people you play with, but with the people you work with every single day. Overall it’s been very good.

“We’re very grateful that Emirates arranged for us to come here and have these amazing facilities.

“This is the second time I’ve come here and last time I came I was going through my rehab, and they made it really easy for me to get better.

“It is also great to train with this great weather and with people around us, and everything is taking place for us.

“It’s not a holiday, we’ve come to work and they’ve made it very good for us to be here and also to enjoy our time.”