Arsene Wenger has heaped praise on Alexandre Lacazette – who left Arsenal in 2022 when his contract expired.
What’s the story?
Well, Mikel Arteta decided not to keep the France international at the Emirates Stadium when his contract expired back in July, and swiftly replaced him with Gabriel Jesus – who took Arsenal‘s No.9 shirt.
Lacazette opted to return to Lyon – where he started his career – and recently became the club’s 2nd highest goalscorer in history.
In total, the 31-year-old has scored 152 goals in 307 appearances for Lyon.
As a result, French outlet Téléfoot are releasing a one-hour special in tribute to Lacazette, which involves messages from the likes of Wenger, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Matteo Guendouzi.
In a brief preview for the one-hour special, Wenger can be heard saying: “He’s a fighter who never gives in.”
Aubameyang added: “You’re like a brother to me.”
In regards to Guendouzi, he said: “I am genuinely so happy to know you and have a friend like you.”
Touching stuff, to say the least.
As you can see in the footage above, Lacazette was left in tears after seeing messages from his friends in football, so it was quite a moving experience for the man who scored 71 goals in an Arsenal shirt.
Arsenal & Lacazette both happier
It isn’t often that a transfer in the world of football leaves all parties happy, but in this instance, that is exactly what has happened.
Arsenal sit top of the Premier League with a more effective striker in Jesus leading the line, while Lacazette himself seems far more content with life back in France, where he has scored 23 goals for Lyon this season.
The parting of ways back in July has worked out for everybody involved, and it is nice to see Lacazette receive recognition for everything he has done during his time with Lyon.
Hopefully, he can continue his excellent form, and fire Lyon into a European qualification spot – they currently sit seventh in Ligue 1.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
