Guendouzi aims dig at the Gunners

As a young and very talented player, Matteo Guendouzi moved from Lorient to Arsenal in 2018 and was in line to be one in a group of very successful Frenchmen who played for the Gunners. It was the beginning of a post-Wenger era and Unai Emery wanted the youngster, stating that a lot of clubs were after him too, and that he will be an important part of the first-team squad. But it was soon visible that his career won’t be as bright as other French footballers. He was given the chance with both Emery and new coach Mikel Arteta but his personal issues became a problem.

And even thou he admitted that he made mistakes in the youth, he didn’t passed the opportunity to take a dig at Arsenal. After moving from Marseille to Lazio on a loan (with an option to buy), he talked with Il Messaggero and revealed that he is thrilled by the warm welcome in Rome.

“The fans’ passion in this city is amazing. I was welcomed warmly, like in Marseille, but more than at Arsenal. I will pay Lazio fans back with interest. Arsenal is very popular in France, because many Frenchmen played there. It was my favorite team as a child. And when there was a possibility for a move, I had no doubts, even though I had other options. Emery did everything to have me” said the Frenchman.

Guendouzi has burned all bridges to Marseille - but he's lucky to learn that Lazio have faith in him

Guendouzi didn’t ease the life in London for himself with a lot of behavior issues, and the last ‘straw’ with Arteta was the shameful behavior after the Brighton game in 2020. The Frenchman grabbed Neal Maupay by the throat after the final whistle, but somehow escaped any ban. It was reported that he insulted both him and other Brighton players by saying that they were s*** and that he and his team-mates ‘earn so much more than they ever will’, as per a source. That was enough for Arteta, who sent him to Hertha Berlin first, and then two years to Marseille, where he eventually signed permanently.

“It’s not true that it didn’t go well with Landreau and Arteta. I also played with them, and then they took other paths. My character allowed me to become a footballer, to be here and to conquer France. Now I have also changed a little, I have learned from the mistakes of my youth. I am less instinctive, more of a man, family man” he explained.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 9

Saturday

14.30: (1.37) Liverpool (5.60) Everton (8.50)

17.00: (2.50) Bournemouth (3.45) Wolverhampton (2.95)

17.00: (1.90) Brentford (3.50) Burnley (4.20)

17.00: (1.45) Man.City (4.60) Brighton (6.75)

17.00: (1.50) Newcastle (4.30) Crystal Palace (7.75)

17.00: (1.70) Nott.Forest (3.60) Luton (5.40)

19.30: (3.10) Chelsea (3.50) Arsenal (2.40)

22.00: (7.50) Sheffield Utd (4.60) Man.Utd. (1.42)

Sunday

18.30: (1.95) Aston Villa (3.70) West Ham (4.10)

Monday

22.00: (1.55) Tottenham (4.20) Fulham (5.90)

***odds are subject to change***