Laurent Koscielny has opened up on his decision to leave Arsenal, saying that he wanted to take more pleasure in his career.
The defender spent nine years in North London where he established himself as a real fans' favourite before being named as club captain.
However his time at the Emirates Stadium ended on a sour note when the Frenchman forced an exit from the club which saw him move to Ligue 1 side Bordeaux.
Koscielny spoke about his decision to leave Arsenal in a revealing interview with L'Equipe, where he spoke about the importance of putting his family first.
He said: "A Premier League season is very long. It requires a lot physically and mentally. I didn't feel I could play 40-50 matches and I didn't want to end my career with injuries.
"I've gone down a level, but to take more pleasure.
"Either I finished there or changed clubs. With my family, we felt it was time.
"Everything was in my thinking: football, my physical state, my wife, my children, the daily life we could have.
"I can only say that I left with my head held high. All of those I worked with for nine years... everyone respected my decision to return home with my family."
