Arsenal star Abou Diaby looks likely to finally be leaving the Emirates after being listed as a free transfer by the club on the Premier League’s list of players.
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This doesn’t come as a huge surprise, but still represents the end of an era, with the player being at the club since 2006.
The 29-year-old has become infamous for his terrible injury record which has left him able to play just 180 times in ten seasons, including a terrible 22 in the last four.
Despite these problems manager Arsene Wenger repeatedly offered new contracts to the Frenchman, but seems to have finally given up on him ever regaining full fitness.
This could be because the North London side’s midfield is now as strong as it has been in a long time. The emergence of Francis Coquelin in the last campaign means they now have a reliable defensively-minded player in the middle of the park to add to the undoubted flair of stars such as Santi Cazorla, Aaron Ramsey, and others.
Fans have been mixed in their reaction to this news, with some sad at how Diaby’s career has turned out and others poking fun at his inability to get fit.
Goodbye Abou Diaby. Will be missed. Shame it didn’t work out. Will be remembered for the moment with John Terry. pic.twitter.com/nv9JqcNRHk
— Mesüt Özist (@WeSignedMesut) June 10, 2015
Abou Diaby has contributed more to football in the last decade than Sepp Blatter, and that is saying something. Best wishes to him.
— ? Yübbî? Umoh ? (@Yubbie007) June 10, 2015
Sad to hear Abou Diaby will be released by Arsenal. Sadder still that so many football fans have turned his misery into a cheap punchline.
— Football’s a Country (@FutbolsaCountry) June 10, 2015
It wasn’t just one challenge that ruined Abou Diaby. Gutted he never had a chance to fulfill his HUGE potential #Abou pic.twitter.com/h14C6S3D2L
— WozTheGooner (@wozthegooner) June 10, 2015
I’ll be devestated if Abou Diaby gets released. World class when fit and he tried to kill John Terry live on tv
— Gavan Sanghera (@Gavan_Sanghera) June 10, 2015
Abou Diaby has been released by Arsenal. The place is looking pretty dead without him already. pic.twitter.com/yOBySIxgT2
— Coral (@Coral) June 10, 2015
Abou Diaby, albeit a fine talent, released by Arsenal 3 years after Wenger said he had 12 mnths to prove he could have an injury free season
— Charlie Wyett (@CharlieWyett) June 10, 2015
Pour some out for Abou Diaby on the day the clock ran out. Time for an Owen Hargreaves-style youtube training montage?
— Daniel Chirwa (@CopycatDan) June 10, 2015
Abou Diaby in high spirits after his release from Arsenal today pic.twitter.com/6wZDMkPtEU
— Inch-Perfect Pass (@InchPerfectPass) June 10, 2015
Abou Diaby during his 9 year stay at Arsenal Appearances: 180 Goals: 19 Assists: 16 Red cards: 2 Injuries: 40 #Afc
— Arsenal #1 fan (@Diego_Nakel) June 10, 2015