Kyle Bartley admits Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger took some persuading to let him return on-loan to Sheffield United.
The Manchester-born defender, 19, is so highly-rated at the Emirates Stadium that Wenger made him captain of the Gunners' reserve side at the start of last season.
And it was only Bartley's powers of persuasion that reluctantly convinced Wenger to allow his starlet to rejoin the Blades following his impressive 14-game loan stint with them last term.
Bartley revealed to the Daily Star: "To begin with, the gaffer was not keen on letting me leave again.
"He had not signed Sebastien Squillaci from Sevilla at the time, so he didn't have as many central defenders as he would have liked. He wanted me to stay and see where I fitted into his squad.
"But to be honest, I could not see a clear path through to the first team for me. And having been with United for the final few months of last season, I knew this was an important time for my development.
"So I went to see the boss and asked him - very politely, of course - if I could go on loan to Bramall Lane again. Mr Wenger was reluctant at first, but the one thing about him is that he always wants what is best for his players.
"He will always try to make sure he does right by them in terms of their careers. He invited me in for a chat, we talked the situation through and, in the end, he admitted that he could see my point of view.
"Let's face it, I am not at a level yet where I can win Arsenal the Premier League, so I believe it is important that I continue my education at Sheffield United."
