There was a time when Laurent Koscielny was a fans’ favourite at Arsenal but given the manner of his departure from the club after 353 appearances it’s safe to say that the Frenchman should never set foot in north London again - at least not the red and white portion.
It all went wrong last month, when club captain Koscielny shocked Arsenal with his refusal to travel with the squad on their pre-season tour to the United States.
Head coach Unai Emery had held out hope the contract dispute might be resolved, but Koscielny was adamant he wanted to leave because he felt undervalued by the terms of his contract extension.
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His departure was confirmed on Tuesday with the defender signing for Ligue 1 side Bordeaux for a fee of around £4.6m.
Arsenal responded to his departure with a brief but dignified statement by thanking Koscielny for his “contribution to the club” and wishing him “all the best for the future”.
Koscielny and Bordeaux went for a less gracious approach, announcing his arrival in a crass and classless video that was posted online.
Strip show
As the Daily Mail reports, the Twitter clip shows Koscielny facing the camera in an Arsenal shirt, only to peel it off to reveal the Bordeaux colours. “New player, new jersey, find it now here,” said the French club.
“Blimey”, was Gary Lineker’s startled response as he retweed the video clip, but his former England team-mate Ian Wright was more forthcoming.
“This hurts,” stormed the former Arsenal striker. “The level of disrespect... You should be ashamed for the way you’ve left the club after 9 years! Got what you wanted and still trying to have a dig... Hope it’s worth it in the long run.”
Brat behaviour
Scores of Arsenal fans joined Wright in criticising the lack of respect shown by Koscielny and Bordeaux, including celebrity Gooners Piers Morgan and Jack Whitehall.
Describing the Frenchman as “a selfish petulant brat”, Morgan wished Koscielny “good riddance”, while actor and comedian Whitehall quipped: “Maybe if he was revealing the Barca shirt - but you’ve just gone in a bargain bin clearance sale to a team that finished 14th in Ligue 1.”
Koscielny’s message
In an explanation to the transfer Koscielny said on Instagram: “I have spent wonderful years with this club, nine years during which I learned, evolved, grew up.
“I see this departure like a new turning point in my life as a player but also in my life as a man and a family man.
“However I hope you can understand, and in any case I cannot be thankful enough for these years past at Arsenal.
“I am aware of everything that the club and you supporters have brought to me. But it is time for me to go home so today my will is to join the @girondins [Bordeaux].”
The Daily Mirror reports that the message was not enough to win over many Gooners.
One Arsenal fan said: “Coward of man goes to a coward of a club. Perfect fit.”
And another added: “You have disrespected the fans and the club in your role as captain for personal gain. It is a shame but you have tarnished your legacy.”
