Laurent Koscielny’s hint over his Bordeaux future has echoes of Arsenal transfer announcement


Laurent Koscielny enjoyed an extremely successful nine seasons with Arsenal.

But after three FA Cup triumphs and 353 appearances for the Gunners, Koscielny decided to end his time in England and made the move to return to his native France in the summer of 2019.

The veteran defender left in controversial fashion, refusing to take part in his side’s pre-season tour of the United States, after a bitter dispute with the club over his future, with one year remaining on his contract.

Instead, he decided to stay at home in London having asked the club to release him from his contract, despite Arsenal not wanting to let Koscielny leave on a free transfer.


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His actions led to a statement being issued by Arsenal expressing their disappointment, adding that the Frenchman had acted against clear instructions.

Eventually, the Gunners parted ways with their captain for a reported £4.6 million fee as Koscielny joined French club, Bordeaux, on a three-year deal, with the defender upsetting fans further with his announcement video in France, peeling off an Arsenal shirt to unveil the Bordeaux jersey.

His current side sits 13th in Ligue 1 just two points off the relegation play-off spot with one game to go.

Ahead of his team’s final day fixture with Reims, the 35-year-old has opened up on his future in football.

“I need to be 100% sure that we are in Ligue 1. After that, I will able to speak with everyone. It will be a thought process, but for the moment, I see myself continuing,” Koscielny admitted in a press conference on Friday.



Laurent Koscielny in action for Bordeaux
Laurent Koscielny in action for Bordeaux

“When your head tells you: ‘it is difficult,’ it is always being negative – that will just result in injuries. I need to sit with it, go on holiday for a little bit.

“Then we will need to come back together, to discuss what will be the best thing for me.”

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“If staying means having another season like this, it will be a no. There are lots of things that will need to come into play to find me on the pitch next season.

“I would have liked for the promises that were made to me to be fulfilled, to have the players needed for this team to be higher in the league and to build a spine.

“It was not done, I will take lessons from it. It will serve me for my future.”





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