Arsenal defender William Saliba says that he 'now feels part of a team' after making an instant impression during his loan spell at Nice.

Having been left out of contention at the Emirates Stadium, Saliba has been allowed to spend the second half of the campaign back in his homeland.

The 19-year-old has already been provided with seven appearances since the start of 2020, being rewarded for his performances with the club's Player Of The Month award for January.

Speaking about his early time at Nice, Saliba has recalled how he was told by Mikel Arteta that he was not considered ready for first-team football at Arsenal.

The centre-back told RMC's 'Top of the Foot' show: "It is clear that so much has changed in the last year.

"When I saw that the coach changed, a lot changed for me too. In this year there has been a lot of change. He judged me on two-and-a-half matches. I would have liked for him to play me more. But he told me I wasn't ready.

"I was waiting for him to give me a chance, but football is like that. When I initially came to Arsenal the league looked very good so I showed up to training and wanted to train on my own to show the coach I was ready.

"I am happy now, I want to play for Nice. The idea when you're part of a team is a better feeling for me."

Saliba is currently expected to return to Arsenal ahead of the start of next season.