Arsenal star Hector Bellerin opens up on effect of being a vegan on his career

Bellerin has been a vegan for around 3 years and the Spaniard believes it was a pivotal decision for his career.

He explains that after just one month without eating meat, he felt stronger and more energetic and didn't struggle ankle injuries anymore.

“I became a vegan around three years ago and at first, I just wanted to try it and detox my body,” Hector Bellerin told Forest Green Rovers’ website upon becoming a second-largest shareholder of the League Two side.

“Initially, I thought I’d eat meat as a ‘treat’ – but, being vegan just worked for me.

“After a month of being vegan, I felt stronger – and I didn’t struggle with ankle injuries anymore. I began to feel more energetic on the pitch – and I began to notice a real difference.”

Veganism may have saved him from ankle injuries but it didn't prevent him from sustaining a tough knee injury that put him on the sidelines for a lengthy spell.

The 25-year-old has fully recovered but he's yet to regain his pre-injury form.

Last season, he made just 15 Premier League appearances clocking 1,159 minutes.