Isaac Hayden has signed a five-year deal with Newcastle
Hayden rose through the Gunners ranks, breaking into the senior side in 2013, but failed to make a single Premier League appearances in three years.
The 21-year-old has now called time on his career in north London and signed a five-year deal with Championship side Newcastle this month.
And Wenger has admitted he’s glad the England U20 has decided to move on as he feared a lack of opportunities at the Emirates would lead to him ‘wasting his career’.
“He couldn't get the chance here and I decided to let him go and have an opportunity,” Wenger said.
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"At 21 years of age, you need to play or you stand still - and if you stand still you waste your career.
“He’s very intelligent and very good physically as well, he has good strength.
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“I remember some games he played, like at West Brom in the League Cup where he did extremely well, and I gave him a chance to go up to Hull [on loan].
“It went quite well, they liked him and they wanted to buy him as well. I think Newcastle is a good opportunity for him.”
Hayden made 24 appearances on loan with Hull last season, scoring once in the 6-0 thrashing of Charlton.
