Former Arsenal player Mathieu Debuchy has slammed manager Arsene Wenger after a failed transfer move to Manchester United. Wenger blocked the French defender from joining the Red Devils two seasons ago and prevented him from joining a direct rival. Arsenal terminated Debuchy’s contract in January which finally allowed the want away full-back to leave the Emirates.
Debuchy joined French Ligue 1 outfit Saint-Etienne on a free transfer on transfer deadline day in January. He only made 29 appearances for the Gunners as his career at the Emirates was blighted by injuries.
According to the Express, Debuchy had the opportunity to join Manchester United in 2016. However, Wenger prevented a move from occuring and loaned the full-back to France’s Bordeaux instead.
In a recent interview with RMC Sport, Debuchy expressed his anger at Wenger.
“I would have liked to have left Arsenal earlier and to have played for a different club,” Debuchy said.
“There were moments when I was angry with the manager. There was an approach from Manchester United and he did not want me to leave.”
Debuchy made seven appearances for the Gunners in all competitions this term.
The 32-year-old initially joined Arsenal from Newcastle for £13.5 million. Debuchy was a regular at St. James’ Park. Prior to joining the Magpies, Debuchy had been one of Ligue 1’s top full-backs. he was a member of Lille’s title winning side in 2011.
The former Arsenal player made his Saint-Etienne debut over the weekend and scored in the club’s 2-0 win over Amiens.