The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy admits he nearly left this summer

Football

By Mirror | Sep 04, 2015

Mathieu Debuchy admits he has been considering his Arsenal future.

Defender Debuchy has revealed he contemplated leaving after Hector Bellerin started the Community Shield ahead of him.

Debuchy joined Arsenal last summer for £12m and was earmarked to replace Bacary Sagna as the Gunners' first-choice right-back.

But his injury-hit debut season opened the door for youngster Bellerin to step in and establish himself in Arsene Wenger's team.

Spaniard Bellerin has retained his spot this season, only missing the opening league game against West Ham due to injury.

Keep Reading

Debuchy, 30, told L'Equipe: "It's difficult. Even if I didn't play a lot last season, in my head I was coming back in order to be in the starting XI for the resumption.

"But, at the Community Shield against Chelsea, Wenger chose him, Bellerin. It was a surprise and a disappointment.

“Let's say it (leaving) crossed my mind. But I want to be at Arsenal and to get back my place here."

Debuchy fears his lack of action could damage his chances of making France's squad for Euro 2016.

He added: "He (Wenger) told me that nothing is settled and that there are a lot of matches in the season.

"He knows that I'm worried because at the end of the season there's an important event coming up.

“It was clear to be effective, it takes time to play. And in the longer term if this situation were to continue it would become difficult.”