Koscielny 'left due to his homesickness & will have no affection from Arsenal'

Laurent Koscielny's move from Arsenal to Bordeaux during the transfer window has now been explained.

The France international caused controversy back in the summer by refusing to board the plane for the Gunners' pre-season tour.

That decision angered Arsenal boss Unai Emery, who took the issue to Raul Sanllehi, but Koscileny was ultimately allowed to leave for Bordeaux.

And, now, chairman of the Ligue 1 side Joe Dagrosa has explained the player's actions, stating it was the centre-back's desire to return to France to be with his family that prompted them.

“It really starts with Laurent's desire to come back to France,' DaGrosa said.

“Where does he want to go with his family at the end of his career? So we convinced him and insisted that he came to a family, that he would feel at home, that he did not just come to a club.”

“I'll just read out a quote: 'I don't believe any French player would have refused to come and play for Arsenal. It took me four years to go from the bench of Ligue 2 to Arsenal, so it is a great achievement. I have been on the crest of a wave for the last few years but it is just the beginning, I haven't proved anything yet. Arsenal is a reference for football.'

“Who said that? Laurent Koscielny when he signed!