French striker, Sanogo confirms leaving Arsenal

Yaya Sanogo has confirmed his exit from Arsenal at the expiration of his contract this summer after a four year stint.

The French striker joined the club from Auxerre but failed to make an impact, playing just 20 competitive games and scoring a single goal.

Sanogo, who spoke to L’Equipe, said he does not blame Arsene Wenger for not playing him but sending him out on loan four times during his time with the Gunners.

The 24-year-old also rued the injuries that he felt cost him the chance to shine, including a calf injury which meant he was sidelined for seven months.

He said: “The adventure ends.

“I maybe did not always do what was necessary to impose myself.

“But Wenger is a great manager and he taught me a lot.

“There is this frustration about not knowing what the source of my pain was,” he continued

“I came back in January, with a fitness trainer, and I was able to play again for Arsenal’s reserves.

“It was very hard when I was injured. You feel so mentally alone.” However, Sanogo still remembers his better times at Arsenal – including a famous four-goal haul in pre-season, recalling: “There were moments where I was good.

“I remember the summer of 2014 when, during the Emirates Cup, I scored a quadruple against Benfica.”

#arsenal #YayaSanogo