Arsenal youngster Joel Campbell has now made his return to the Emirates after a loan-spell at Lorient, and the 19 year old has revealed that though he was disappointed to leave the club at the beginning, he's now glad that he had the chance to experience life in Ligue 1.

Campbell was sent to Lorient immediately after signing for the Gunners last year, after the striker was unable to obtain a work permit for the United Kingdom.

But the experience has allowed the teen to become a regular in the Coast Rica side, and Campbell believes he will take a great deal of knowledge back to Arsenal.

"It was tough for me because I wanted to play for Arsenal this season," he told the official website. "But it's a new experience for me and it's a question of doing well, learning from European football and then coming back to Arsenal.

"Coming to Lorient has been really good for me. It's a new experience for me to come and get a taste of French football, which is very competitive. I've learnt a lot here.

"I came here just before the fourth round of games in Ligue 1 and they gave me the best possible welcome. They helped me and got me settled down quickly in the team so I could help them and the side. Lorient play a very similar game to Arsenal and that's helped me for what lies ahead.

Joel Campbell
Joel Campbell can't wait to get back into the frame for Arsenal.

"Football in France is very tactical, very tough and very physical. It's been great for me, though. I've learnt a lot from the football here and I hope it helps me for my career.

"I've learnt a lot of things from being in a relegation battle: mental strength and the unity we need to have to avoid relegation. These are tough times and for a player like me who's just starting out it's a great experience."

Arsene Wenger is well known for favouring French players, and Campbell's experience in the league will no doubt be a great benefit to him as he continues to develop and mature at Arsenal.

"I'm young and I've already played a lot of games here at Lorient," he explained. "I've scored goals, I've become the first Costa Rican to play in the French first division and the first Costa Rican to score in the French league.

"The philosophy here at Lorient is the same as Arsenal's. The way they train, the way they play is all very similar to Arsenal. That makes it easier for Arsenal to send players to Lorient because they're going to learn the same things that they learn there.

"Gilles Sunu told me that when you come on loan it's difficult because you know you're not going to play the whole season or the following season, which makes it very difficult to keep your place. We have to show everything we can to play the maximum number of games."

Lorient were able to escape relegation in Ligue 1 this season, with the side finishing 17th in the table and just one point ahead of 18th-placed Caen.