Players who wish they never left Arsenal

Players who wish they never left Arsenal

Emmanuel Adebayor has admitted after two years of leaving Arsenal that he regrets his decision. He thinks his career has stalled since leaving the Gunners and his development was better taken care of by Arsene Wenger.

You might think that you have heard this before. Of course you have ! Here is some players who have left Arsenal in recent years and how they have fared in their career:

Emmanuel Petit: Transformed by Wenger from a centre-back to form a sensational duo with Patrick Vieira in central midfield. Demanded a move to Barcelona but never captured his midfield form and was played more in his former role there. Subsequently went to Chelsea but never reached his form of 1998.

Alexander Hleb: Part of an amazing midfield quartet in the 2007-08 season ( with Fabregas, Flamini and Rosicky). Also wanted to go to Barcelona and got his wish but they were far from impressed by him and sent him on loan back to Stuggart. Begged for a move back to Arsenal but only got a loan to Birmingham. Not exactly a first-team player there either.

Thierry Henry: Our record goal-scorer was linked with Barcelona for many seasons and they finally got their man in 2007. A massive disappointment for them, he mainly warmed the bench at the Nou Camp. Again said that he wished he could come back to England but he is now ending his career in the US.

David Bentley: Ex-boy wonder with a bigger mouth than talent. Got restless waiting for his chance and obtained a move to Blackburn, where he did well. Spurs came calling but he was anything but the next Beckham. Also at Birmingham now.

Jermaine Pennant: Wenger´s first Theo Walcott suffered from bad attitude and indiscipline. Believed in his own hype as opposed to hard work and flopped at Liverpool. Spell in Spanish League did not work out and is now providing the “flair” at Stoke.

Edu: Was outstanding when we won the league. His career has somehow nose-dived since he left us.

Mathieu Flamini: Let his contract run out before going to AC Milan. Is playing more this season but was a squad player last season and also talked about his regret about leaving us.

Kolo Toure: Poor Kolo. An Arsenal legend who has struggled at the heart of the City defence and has now been suspended by his club after failing a drugs test.

Ashley Cole : Not done badly for himself at Chelsea in terms of trophies won. But he was regularly touted as one of the best left-backs in the world while playing for us and his attacking instincts suited us well. Has sometimes replicated his form there but not always.

William Gallas: Never an Arsenal man in the first place, he has ensured his place as London´s most hated player by playing for Chelsea, Arsenal and Spurs.  Says he went to Spurs to win the league but his side are now fifth and 14 points behind the leaders. Watch him explode if Spurs fail to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League.

I have only put players who left us in their prime i.e. the likes of Gilberto Silva or Campbell have not been included.