Laurent Koscielny went to extreme lengths to force his way out of Arsenal.
The previous club captain refused to travel with the Gunners on their pre-season tour of America before returning to France with Bordeaux.
He also angered fans with his unveiling video at the Ligue 1 club, removing an Arsenal shirt to show his new colours.
Koscielny's nine years in north London came to an abrupt end - and there is now further proof he was simply determined to get away from the club.
His contract details with Bordeaux have emerged, with L'Equipe reporting he is earning around €60,000 (£51k) per week.
That indicates he took a huge pay cut of roughly 39% from his £90k per week wage at Arsenal.
He opened up on his controversial exit in October, blaming the physical demands of the Premier League for his desire to head back home.
Koscielny told L'Equipe: "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.
"All of those I worked with for nine years... everyone respected my decision to return home with my family.
"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..."
Koscielny has played 20 games for Bordeaux in Ligue 1, with the club sitting 12th in the table ahead of their clash with Metz on Saturday evening.
Lobckmnprs
0
in a few year time, he will not be paid to play.
why will you talk like dat...he is a professional an European player not African
citbclnou
1
Arsenal
fidabnrt
2
he saw Arsenal future and he left... at least it better to be with a struggling growing children than a dying adult.
emondorock
0
Arsenal paid his wages while he was injured and he left on his terms, so 40% pay cut seems fair to me.
kunakmntu
0
I think his recent experience with injuries made this decision.. probably the right one
Lauceikpuz
0
in a few year time, he will not be paid to play.
Sosst
2
He did it bc he was doing what was best for him & his family,So money is not important in this matter its about family & being happy.A pay cut means nothing when you have piece of mind & knowledge of self,He knew exactly what he was doing & should be respected for his decision bc it was bigger than a childs game.
BankoleLonge
1
He really wanted to leave that badly
Jepelrtyz
0
He lost respect
Maybcnost
3
Who wants to know...we care less.
judacdilsu
1
the whole thing of unveiling himself by taking off the arsenal jersey made a fool of himself and lost a lot respect from a fan like me ..I liked him a lot
Musteegunner
2
he lost the legacy of becoming club legend
albamu
2
is that old man koscielny or koscielnys Grand pa, life has been so blood in Bordeaux after all.
pabiknpsty
1
well, koscielny was the best we had then.... but his best were long last gone
AkoKat
0
explain why you have to remove Arsenal jessy to unveil ur new club colour
AkoKat
1
Can’t blame him lol Look where arsenal is now😂😂😂
fool so in their league they are in first position right
PrinceTaiwo
5
Respect Family first
Freedelivery85
2
Can’t blame him lol Look where arsenal is now😂😂😂
MrGooner79
1
Good riddance!
popklpsyz
1
He couldn't stand Liverpool winning 🥇 the league
yaebcdikuy
0
That sums up arsenal under emery...
Kuwbdluy
2
He shouldn't of left in the way he left , the legends legacy is LOST...
FaithEvans
6
Family remains the most important thing in life
GlaneChlorous
0
And then also, look how happy is him😂
how happy he is.
fiwacrty
0
Mbape #3
Dipacmpsy
2
And then also, look how happy is him😂