Laurent Koscielny finally got his wish to leave Arsenal this summer and completed his move back to France on Tuesday. The Frenchman joined Bordeaux on a reported two-year deal after spending 9 years at the Emirates Stadium.
The defender’s relationship with the club and especially the fans went downhill after he went on strike and refused to travel with the squad for Arsenal’s Preseason tour in the United States in a bid to force a move away. His behavior was deemed unacceptable and unprofessional by most.
To add insult to injury, Koscielny has further disrespected the club via his Bordeaux unveiling video. In the short clip released on Twitter, the 33-year-old is seen removing his Arsenal shirt to reveal a Bordeaux jersey that he had worn underneath.
Nouveau joueur, nouveau maillot, retrouvez-le dès maintenant ici ➡ https://t.co/6Jb2BRKbIo pic.twitter.com/eCfsGaSUYS
— FC Girondins de Bordeaux (@girondins) August 6, 2019
The video prompted a lot of reactions from a disgruntled Arsenal fanbase..
#Koscielny– May you end your career where it started, in Ligue 2. Best wishes for a glorious relegation.
— The Gooners Podcast (@TheGoonersPod) August 7, 2019
1. This is disrespectful by Koscielny.
2. The absolute state of Bordeaux. They spent all of their budget on a 33 year old with one leg, that they couldn’t afford the new kit.— Not a football account (@1886_blog) August 6, 2019
Tasteless..
I backed Laurent Koscielny for years. I loved him as one of my favourite players but his transfer reveal is so tasteless. What a way to leave.
— FK ☕️🐍 (@fkhanage) August 6, 2019
Im not interested in no sentimental farewells for Koscielny or Jenkinson, both are eating away at our wage bill and I’m happy they are going, thanks for the memories, shut the door on your way out.
— MR DT © (@MrDtAFC) August 6, 2019
Koscielny’s departure leaves Unai Emery with only 3 fit center backs to call upon ahead of Arsenal’s season opener against Newcastle on Sunday. Sokratis, Shkodran Mustafi and Calum Chambers are the only available center backs with Rob Holding still on his way back to competitive action following his knee injury last season.
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