Arsenal full-back Mathieu Debuchy has revealed he thought about leaving the club this summer in search of regular playing time.
Debuchy, 30, joined the Gunners last summer but has dropped down the pecking order following the emergence of Hector Bellerin.
The former Newcastle United right-back was signed as Bacary Sagna’s replacement but has failed to regain his spot in Arsene Wenger’s starting XI since he dislocated his shoulder at the start of the year.
“It’s difficult,” he told L’Equipe. “Even if I didn’t play a lot last season, in my head I was coming back in order to be in the starting XI for the resumption.
However, the France international was left to watch Bellerin from the bench for Arsenal’s first game of the season and admits he has since considered his future at the club with the Euro’s in mind.
“Let’s say it crossed my mind [leaving],” Debuchy continued. “But I want to be at Arsenal and to get back my place here.”
“He [Wenger] told me that nothing is settled and that there are a lot of matches in the season.
“He knows that I’m worried because at the end of the season there’s an important event coming up [European Championships in his homeland].”
Debuchy has made just 11 appearances for Arsenal during his 12 months at the club and a move in January could be possible if he fails to usurp Bellerin in the starting XI. During his first season at the club, no Arsenal player won more aerial duels per game than Debuchy (4.5) in the Premier League.
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