Koscielny says ‘I quit Arsenal with my head held high’ and responds to Ian Wright’s ‘shame’ blast
LAURENT KOSCIELNY claims he quit Arsenal with "his head held high" after Ian Wright said he should be ashamed of the way he left.
The Frenchman left the Gunners for Bordeaux in the summer after nine years at the Emirates amid constant claims he refused to go on their pre-season tour in order to force through the move.
And Koscielny angered fans further when he removed an Arsenal shirt to reveal a Bordeaux one as part of his announcement video for the Ligue 1 side.
After the controversial stunts, Wright tweeted: "This hurts. The level of disrespect. You should be ashamed for the way you've left the club after nine years!
"Got what you wanted and still trying to have a dig. Hope it's worth it in the long run."
But Koscielny refused to bite and told he decided to leave to protect his body and his family.
He said: "A Premier League season is very long. It requires a lot physically and mentally.
"I didn't feel I could play 40-50 matches and I didn't want to end my career with injuries. I've gone down a level, but to take more pleasure.
"Either I finished there or changed clubs. With my family, we felt it was time.
"Everything was in my thinking: football, my physical state, my wife, my children, the daily life we could have.
"I can only say that I left with my head held high.
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"All of those I worked with for nine years... everyone respected my decision to return home with my family."
Though he refused to be pressed on individual comments, Koscielny appeared to have a veiled swipe at Wright when he added: "I've always been upstanding, respectful and loyal. I always gave my maximum.
"I spoke with the coach, who was understanding. And as for the rest..."