Laurent Koscielny has taken to social media to try to explain to angry Arsenal supporters why he was so desperate to leave the club.
The 33-year-old signed for Bordeaux on Tuesday having previously refused to travel on Arsenal's pre-season tour to the USA.
He also further risked the wrath of supporters by appearing in a video by the French club to announce his signing, in which he takes off an Arsenal shirt to reveal a Bordeaux one underneath.
But Koscielny left a long, emotional post on his personal Instagram account to give a message to the fans who once adored him.
In it he said: "I have spent wonderful years with this club, nine years during which I learned, evolved, grew up.
"I see this departure like a new turning point in my life as a player but also in my life as a man and a family man.
"However I hope you can understand, and in any case I cannot be thankful enough for these years past at Arsenal.
"I am aware of everything that the club and you supporters have brought to me. But it is time for me to go home so today my will is to join the @girondins (Bordeaux)."
The message did not appear to be enough to win back over many Arsenal supporters, however.
One replied: "All the best mate but you went the wrong way about it, and what's that video all about?"
Another added: "You have disrespected the fans and the club in your role as captain for personal gain. It is a shame but you have tarnished your legacy."
Arsenal's attentions will now turn towards finding a replacement for the centre-back before the end of the transfer window, and they have been linked with the likes of Dayot Upamecano of RB Leipzig and Juventus ' Daniele Rugani.
