Ex-Arsenal pro Koscielny confirms retirement – ​​dropped out at Girondins in January

Ex-Arsenal pro

Laurent Koscielny has finally hung up his shoes. The 36-year-old ex-Arsenal professional announced this in a press release, the content of which the newspaper “South East” and was once again the public venue for Koscielny’s conflicts at his last club Girondins Bordeaux. Racism allegations against the French were recently reported there.

Club president Gérard López had already turned to the newspaper in January to explain that Koscielny had no future at Girondins. Now the 51-time national player defended himself against the portrayal of himself in an article from March 22nd. There, allegations of racism by an ultra group from the Garonne club were discussed, which Koscielny wanted to correct with the help of his lawyer. He was “surprised, shocked, but also sad” about the statements made by a fan representative, the report said. The club had also previously stated that there were no signs of the former central defender that would justify the allegations. Legal action is planned, but it is also emphasized that Koscielny is now ending his active career after leaving Bordeaux’ team at the end of January. He seems to want to continue playing an ambassador role for the club.

Girondins-Aus for Koscielny “Slap in the face” – “Is it because I love wine?”

In January, Koscielny reacted with great incomprehension to his elimination at Girondins Bordeaux. President López made it unmistakably clear on “Sud Ouest”: “We are not attacking the player or the person. But it is a done deal that Laurent will leave the club in January.” Koscielny reacted to this in the newspaper “L’Équipe”.

“I don’t usually disclose that in the press. This is not due to a lack of leadership, but simply to my temperament. I want to correct a few things, first for me, but also for the fans,” Koscielny said at the time. Koscielny showed up for training after López had talks with his advisor Stéphane Courbis, but no one was expecting him there.” In another conversation, López and director Admar Lopes gave him to understand that they were pushing for a solution for the future want, but he can continue to train with the professional team.

Koscielny did not learn the exact reasons for his exit from the bosses. “They just told me that this was their new strategy and that we would find a solution with the finance director so that everything went well for everyone involved,” said the defensive man. Koscielny took his demotion “seriously”. And: “You can say that it was a real slap in the face.” Koscielny accepted the criticism of his sometimes poor athletic performance, pointed out that he sometimes played with pain until it “was unbearable” and signaled Willingness to forego parts of his highly paid contract in the future.

He also rejected doubts about a possibly casual lifestyle. “Look at my career and count the number of games I’ve played. Is it because I love wine? Of course I like wine, I’m in a wine region so I can have moments with my family where we taste good wine. I fully support it. It’s human to sometimes get carried away with family or close friends. But then there’s work and I’m always on the pitch, fully engaged and on time. I have no qualms about it and I don’t overdo it the night before practice or games.”

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