Arsenal’s pre-season preparations were dealt a surprise blow when club captain Laurent Koscielny refused to travel on the club’s tour of the United States.
A club statement, released as Arsenal jet off on their trip without their skipper, revealed the shock news – and fans believe there is no turning back for Koscielny, who was due to enter his 10th season as a Gunners player.
Koscielny is Arsenal’s longest-serving player, but it looks as if his relationship with the fans is under serious threat following the dramatic twist to Arsenal’s summer.
The centre-back has been linked with a move away – with reports in France previously suggesting the defender could be close to a transfer back to Ligue 1.
Some supporters are in disbelief that Koscielny has acted in this way, displaying a mixture of anger and sadness at the prospect of their captain losing the armband and potentially very close to leaving after nine years of service at The Emirates.
By threatening to place Arsenal’s preparations for the season ahead in jeopardy, there was little sympathy from the fanbase as the team’s leader went AWOL before a ball has even been kicked:
Appreciate what Lolo has done for the club but after this move he’ll go down as a rat I’m afraid
— Abhishek (@Abhimeyang) July 11, 2019
Our captain. This is not the behaviour of an arsenal captain. Something I’d expect from Gallas when he was skipper. Poor from Koscielny.
— CJayAFC (@Charlie_Jay_) July 11, 2019
Disrespectful, shame our club captain has reacted like this and behaves like a kid. Goodbye @6_LKOSCIELNY ????????
— Sam (@SK_arsenal) July 11, 2019
Man just ruined his legacy
— ?????? (@sauceoverloadd) July 11, 2019
The last guy I expected to turn out like this pic.twitter.com/YnUx3REYK4
— P™ | (was @cechque) (@SemperFiArsenal) July 11, 2019
Once a great defender ruining his legacy when we need him the most
— Jordan (@jordanconway_7) July 11, 2019
Disrespectful after 9 years at the club. Get rid.
— Jack (@jackrdblackwell) July 11, 2019
Strip him of the captain’s armband and sell him. Terrible attitude from our ‘leader’.
— RossCooperAFC (@RossCooperKFA) July 11, 2019
