Almunia reveals heartache behind hardest season of his career

Manuel Almunia last night spoke for the first time about the heartache behind the hardest season of his Arsenal career.

Arsenal keeper Almunia missed six weeks with a chest infection and whilst on compassionate leave following the death of his mother-in-law in a car crash.

Almunia, 32, suffered a dip in form and confidence this season following the trauma, which he admits left him feeling "very low", and left Arsenal fans questioning his status as the club’s No.1.

But Almunia gave an insight into his difficulties this season ahead of the showdown with Porto.

Almunia, who will captain Arsenal in the absence of Cesc Fabregas, said: “I had a family bereavement, when my mother-in-law died. She was a very special person for me and my wife. She was great.

“As soon as it happened, the manager let me go to Spain and stay with my wife and family, to spend all the time I wanted.

“Every person, every player has had experiences, where the next day you have to wake up and continue working, getting on with your life.

“It is difficult, but when you are mature it is a bit easier to cope with things. It all depends on the sensitivity of the person. Things can affect you as much as your head lets it.

“That happens sometimes when something really bad happens to you, you never know how your mind will react.

“At that time, I was very low, not very strong to continue, but I took my time and now I am ready again.

“Last season was a great season for me, but I had a difficult start to this season. But after a few games I came back stronger and now I am in a very good position to help my team.

“I am looking forward to the rest of the season because we have chances to do things.”