French defender Djibril Sidibe has explained his reasons behind choosing Monaco move instead of Arsenal switch.
France’s defender Djibril Sidibe
French international full-back Djibril Sidibe has explained how he turned down a move to Arsenal in the summer, but admitted he would like his next move to be to the Premier League, as quoted by French media outlet Le Parisien.
The 24-year-old joined Monaco from Lille in the summer, and shared how he turned down a move to the Emirates because he feared that he would not achieve regular first-team football.
Sidibe, who has made three appearances for his country, spoke to Le Parisien, discussing Arsenal’s late move for him, and how Arsene Wenger wanted to use him on the left – one of the reasons he chose to move to Monaco instead:
Monaco’s Djibril Sidibe in action with Tottenham’s Kyle Walker
“I was on the brink of signing for Monaco and Arsenal gave me a headache by making a bid at the last moment. After reflecting on it, I was not certain my playing time would be guaranteed. I would have played maybe 25 games this season, including the cups. They also wanted to use me on the left whereas I want to establish myself on the right.”
Arsenal have begun their Premier League campaign in fine fashion, despite a stuttering start, and for the first time in arguably a decade, they have a squad strong enough to challenge for major honours.
Sidibe in action for Monaco
With Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs at left-back and Hector Bellerin and Mathieu Debuchy at right-back, Sidibe probably made the correct decision in moving to Monaco, as his opportunities for first-team action would surely have been limited to say the least.
Sidibe went on to say that he does, however, plan to move to England in the future, even as soon as next season, telling Le Parisien:
“I chose to stay in Ligue 1 and then leave for the Premier League next year because it is a competition that greatly appeals to me.”
Whether his next destination is the Emirates remains to be seen.
Monaco’s Djibril Sidibe in a action
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