Bordeaux owner Joe DaGrosa says Laurent Koscielny’s decision to leave Arsenal was not about money - but the future of his family and life after football.
Koscielny was sold to Bordeaux for around £4.6million this summer after refusing to go on Arsenal’s pre-season tour to America.
The defender was desperate to return to France and asked to be released from his contract, which had 12 months to run, but that request was rejected.
The 34-year-old did eventually get his move and Bordeaux owner DaGrosa has now explained that Koscielny’s decision to join them was not about money.
Instead DaGrosa has claimed the centre-back joined the Ligue 1 side as he has been promised a role after football, while a move back to France was also best for his family.
“Koscielny is thinking about his future, and rightly so, for when he is no longer playing the game,” DaGrosa told Get French Football News.
“I think Bordeaux presents a great place for him to stay in the football business for decades to come.
“So we would welcome someone of his talent, and skill and experience, to help us with our plan for the club after his playing days are over.
“That is one of the things we talked to him about and I think it resonated with him.
“And it sort of transcends salaries and compensations. It is about what is the vision for you and your family going forward.
“I think we made a very strong case that he was coming to a home. He wasn’t just coming to a club.”
