Former Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit, has expressed his regret over leaving the Emirates Stadium and acknowledged the wisdom of the club’s former manager, Arsene Wenger, in signing new players to bolster the team’s strength during their invincible run in the Premier League.
Petit attributed his departure from Arsenal to the desires of his wife, Agatha de la Fontaine, who was also an actress. However, in hindsight, he admits that Wenger’s decision to bring in fresh talent was pivotal to the team’s subsequent success.
During his time at Arsenal from 1997 to 2000, Petit made a notable 115 appearances for the club. As a defensive midfielder, he made a significant impact, securing 11 goals and providing 24 assists.
Unfortunately for Arsenal supporters, Petit made the decision to leave the club in 2001 and joined Barcelona. Reflecting on his departure, Petit shared his thoughts, stating, “I was very happy at Arsenal, with the fans and my teammates. I played well, and we won the Double. But I could sense that Arsene [Wenger] was considering selling me.”
“It’s possible that he wanted to bring in other players, and eventually, he made the right choice as they went on to become invincible in the Premier League,” Petit added. However, he revealed that the primary motive behind his departure was his wife’s desire for a change of scenery. While sporting aspirations, such as winning the Champions League, factored into his decision, Petit acknowledged that his spouse’s preference for sunnier climates influenced his choice.
Drawing from his personal experience, Petit offered advice to current professional players, emphasizing the importance of making independent decisions about their careers. He advised, “If I have any advice for players now, it’s: ‘Don’t let your wife decide where you go.'”
