Arsenal have confirmed that wantaway defender Laurent Koscielny has left the club to join Bordeaux. It comes after nine years at The Emirates.
Laurent Koscielny Departs Arsenal
Laurent Koscielny Arsenal Career
The French central defender will go down as a club-legend at the Emirates. Across his nine years, he made 353 appearances for the Gunners.
Having joined in 2010, it took four years for the now 33-year-old to achieve silverware with Arsenal. They triumphed in the 2013/14 FA Cup final, beating Hull City in the final. It was the first of three FA Cups in four years for Arsenal.
Koscielny was also a runner-up with Arsenal numerous times in both the EFL Cup and Europa League. Twice he has missed out on lifting the League Cup, while last season saw him miss out on Europa League success with Arsenal.
Last season Koscielny made 27 appearances in all competitions, including ten in the Europa League. He registered three goals, his second-best goal-scoring tally in a season.
A Move That Was Coming
The 33-year-old had entered the last year of his contract before leaving the Emirates. However, it was a move that many had expected.
The Frenchman had reportedly refused to go on Arsenal’s pre-season tour. It was reported that there was discontent between the two parties. As a result, they have split and moved on to pastures new.
An Influential Player For Bordeaux
Koscielny’s experience at a higher level will prove valuable for Bordeaux’s young squad. They now have an asset that will help them challenge for the European places in Ligue 1.
The Girondins possess two names that will be well known to English fans. Former Sunderland striker Josh Maja moved to the club in January 2019, and scored one goal last season; while Leicester City and Swansea City manager Paulo Sousa was appointed in March 2019.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
