Ian Wright pins blame for Koscielny’s pre-season decision on key man

Ian Wright believes Arsenal captain Laurent Koscielny is “destroying his legacy” by refusing to travel for the club’s pre-season tour.

Koscielny caused a stir when it was announced on Thursday that he would not be travelling with the rest of the squad to the USA for pre-season preparations, amid reports that he wants to be freed from the last year of his contract.

In a campaign disrupted by injury, the 33-year-old managed just 17 league appearances – the fewest of his nine-year stint in London. And with an offer from Bordeaux more lucrative than Arsenal’s attempts to extend his contract on a reduced salary, his relationship with the club appears to have reached breaking point.

Speaking via YouTube, Gunners legend Wright said: “He’s given us unbelievable service, we’ve seen him play through pain and build a legacy and legendary status he deserves.

“It’s the time in the season where everybody is meant to be together. We are in for a tough season, a transitional period, we need a lot of catching up.

“For our captain to refuse to go on a pre-season tour after nine years of unbelievable service, to destroy your legacy a little by refusing to play for a club is something that is baffling me.

“Why Laurent? Who are your advisers and what are they saying to you?

“I am so disappointed in your decision to do this at this time, if your agent sees this, and I hope they do, shame on you, shame on you, for doing this to him and convincing him. No way you can tell me he will come up with this on his own.

“You’re the one we chose as our captain, our leader, and now we’re going into pre-season with our captain refusing to go on the tour.

“This is something I cannot get my head around and I pray to God it can be resolved sooner rather than later.

“It doesn’t set a good example, Arsenal need to do something quick and disciplinary. I love you Laurent but this is a poor decision.”

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