Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has shockingly revealed that he left the club “for a woman”, something the former Gunners star admitted that he regrets.
Petit enjoyed three seasons of football in north London before his eventual move to Barcelona in 2000.
The holding midfielder won the World Cup during his stay in the capital and shone under formerArsenalmanager, Arsene Wenger.
Having lifted both thePremier Leaguetitle and FA Cup, Petit quickly cemented his status as one of the best players in his position.
Petit: “I left Arsenal for a woman”
So, when Barcelona came knocking at the turn of the millennium, Petit agreed to swap England for Spain.
But in a jaw-dropping revelation, the Frenchman revealed that romantic interest played a pivotal part in the move.
Emmanuel Petit and Arsene Wenger.pic.twitter.com/tEkQEX50qZ
“For a woman,” Petit said when asked why he left Arsenal in aLeague of Legendsinterview for Stadium Astro.
“I always loved Barcelona and [Real] Madrid, two of the biggest clubs in the world. But I should have stayed with Arsenal, definitely,” he added.
“You know, sometimes the grass is not greener somewhere else. It’s better to stay where you are when you receive love and happiness and you are successful. Why would you leave?
“Definitely [a big regret]. If I could turn the clock back, I would probably make a different decision.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, sit top of the Premier League, ahead ofLiverpoolon goal difference, withMan Cityjust a single point behind.
The Gunners are also on the charge in Europe, with the first leg of theirChampions Leaguequarter-final clash against Bayern Munich taking place on April, 9.
Some Arsenal fans think they hold acrucial advantage over the Bundesliga sidefor the game at the Emirates Stadium, in what is set to be a rather unusual atmosphere.
Matt Hobkinson was a Senior Sports Writer at Dexerto. Matt is a dedicated football and Formula 1 fan and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the sports. He has previously worked at PA Media, Manchester Evening News, Chronicle Live, Leeds Live and others covering the region’s football clubs and sports stars.
