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We say hello, nothing more – Debuchy admits frosty Wenger relationship

SoccerNews in English Premier League 29 Dec 2016

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Mathieu Debuchy is hoping to negotiate a move away from Arsenal in January after revealing his relationship with Arsene Wenger does not extend beyond a morning “hello”.

The former France right-back has seen his career tail off following his move from Newcastle United in 2014, due to a series of injuries and the emergence of Hector Bellerin, who is now the undisputed first-choice in Debuchy’s preferred right-back position.

The 31-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Bordeaux and the breakdown in communication with Wenger means he is again looking for a way out.

He told L’Equipe: “Before my loan to Bordeaux, I was often in his office. But now, I have not felt the need to. I do not want to.

“We greet each other, we say hello, nothing more.”

Relations between the pair reached a low 12 months ago when Wenger vetoed a surprise bid from Manchester United to take Debuchy to Old Trafford.

“I wasn’t playing a lot, it was United, there’s nothing else to say,” he added. 

“For me, it was unexpected, but the coach said no. 

“It’s something I did not appreciate. He wasn’t using me, so I didn’t see his interest in doing that.”

Marseille have been heavily linked with taking Debuchy back to Ligue 1.

“Honestly, I do not know where that is [his next club],” he said. “I said to my agents not to come to me unless they have something concrete.

“Aside from that, Marseille are still Marseille. Even if the results have been a little difficult, they remain one of the biggest clubs in Ligue 1. As well, there is a nice project that is in the process of being put in place with a manager who I know well [Rudi Garcia].

“I enjoyed my time at Bordeaux enormously. You have to see what presents itself. I have a family, four children, that comes into consideration. And that is why, for example, I have not followed up some contacts in Turkey.

“I would prefer a straight transfer but I am only an employee. If the club says no to me, what can I do?

“I had opportunities at the end of the summer. Unfortunately, the club did not want to release me. I did a good preparation but, from the first match, I was not in the squad. 

“I want a new challenge. I miss not having that excitement, the adrenaline.”

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