Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has defended his decision to allow youngster Isaac Hayden to join Newcastle United this summer.
Hayden, a product of Arsenal's youth academy, spent last season on loan at Hull City where he managed a total of 24 appearances scoring a lone goal.
Hayden though did not feature prominently in the French manager's senior team plans, having managed a mere two appearances in the red and white shirt in the course of his stay at Arsenal.
The 21-year-old though was more of a regular for the Under-21s having managed a total of 32 appearances for them, scoring two goals and providing his team-mates with five assists.
Wenger, while defending his decision to sell, stated that it was important for Hayden to move on as he wouldn't have had the opportunity he needs while playing for the Gunners.
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“He couldn't get the chance here and I decided to let him go and have an opportunity”, Wenger said while speaking to his club's official website.
"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.
"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.
“It went quite well, they liked him and they wanted to buy him as well. I think Newcastle is a good opportunity for him.”
