Jakub Kiwior has no Arsenal regrets after Porto move delivers exactly what he wanted

Jakub Kiwior insists leaving Arsenal for Porto was the right decision after regular football helped him develop and contributed to the first league title of his career.

The Poland international left the Gunners in search of opportunities he could not guarantee in north London. Arsenal subsequently ended their long wait for the Premier League title, but Kiwior has enjoyed considerable success of his own since moving to Portugal.

Now 26, the defender says he was immediately attracted by Porto once their interest became clear.

Speaking to Polish channel Sportowy, with his comments relayed by A Bola, Kiwior explained that playing regularly was the driving force behind his departure from Arsenal.

“When I found out Porto wanted me and were interested, I was already saying ‘yes’,” Kiwior said. “I knew Porto would give me more time on the pitch, more opportunities to play and because it’s a very big club.”

Those expectations have been fulfilled.

Kiwior believes consistent minutes have accelerated his development after struggling to secure a permanent starting position under Mikel Arteta.

“Playing regularly is what helps you develop the most,” he said. “Spending so much time on the pitch helps you grow with every game.”

Kiwior's first season in Portugal ended with Porto winning the league, giving the defender the first domestic championship of his career.

“I’m 100% happy with my decision to come here,” he said. “The title confirmed that I’m in the right place.”

The outcome has ultimately worked for both parties.

Arsenal moved forward without Kiwior and became Premier League champions, while the defender found the regular football he wanted and immediately collected major silverware with Porto.

Kiwior also admitted he prefers living in Porto to London, further underlining how comfortably he has adapted since leaving England.

The title celebrations made his first season particularly memorable, with Kiwior describing the scenes across the city as better than anything he could have imagined.

There appears to be little reason for either Arsenal or Kiwior to question the decision that took their careers in different directions.

Kiwior will now attempt to build on his title-winning first season and continue establishing himself as a key player for Porto.

At 26 and finally receiving the consistent minutes he wanted, the former Arsenal defender believes he is in the right environment to keep developing and competing for further trophies.