Ex-Arsenal Striker Jeremie Aliadiere Talks of 'Regret' at Forcing Move Away From the Club in 2007
Former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has revealed how forcing a move to Middlesbrough from Arsenal back in 2007 is now something he looks back on and 'regrets'.
The Frenchman was a graduate of the Arsenal academy, and made his debut when he replaced Gunners legend Thierry Henry during a 4-1 win over Fulham in the 2001/02 season.
#https://instagram.com/p/BhsvafRhu_v
(You May Also Be Interested in: Agent Reveals How Arsenal Star Almost Joined Liverpool Prior to His Move to the Bundesliga in 2013)
He spent another five seasons at Arsenal, but found first team oppourtunities hard to come by, only making a further 28 league appearances for the Gunners during that time.
"I left for Middlesbrough because I forced the move, because I was 24 and needed to play," Aliadiere admitted to French outlet SFR Sport.
The striker was sent out on loan on three occasions during his time at Highbury - to Celtic, West Ham and Wolves. But has admitted that his former manager did want him to stay at the club.
DENIS CHARLET/GettyImages
"He [Arsene Wenger] was telling me to stay because I'd play. Now, I regret it.
"For me, Arsenal was the ideal club, and I wanted to do my whole career and spend my life there
"It felt like a failure when I felt I had to leave, but it's true that now, I arrived at the same time at Thierry Henry and left at the same time at Thierry Henry.
Stu Forster/GettyImages
"If I'd stayed an extra year, maybe I could have taken his spot."
Aliadiere went onto score 12 goals in 86 appearances for Middlesbrough before being released in July 2010.
He is now 35-years-old and currently a free agent after leaving French Ligue 2 club FC Lorient at the end of last season.
