Bacary Sagna explains emotional pain behind Arsenal exit to Manchester City

​Bacary Sagna has opened up about the deep emotional struggle he went through before leaving Arsenal for Manchester City, admitting the decision left him hurt and conflicted.

“Leaving Arsenal, it was a very difficult decision for me to make,” he told Ladbrokes, recalling how he became emotional and frustrated at the start of the 2013-14 season.

He felt “damaged” emotionally and believed he deserved a new contract after signing his previous deal in 2008, but talks never progressed.

Sagna understood the club’s concerns after his serious leg break, yet says a “misunderstanding and a lack of communication” pushed him towards the exit. Knowing the entire season would be his last for Arsenal was “really difficult,” even as he helped the team win the FA Cup in his final game.

Sagna admits he was especially hurt by how some fans reacted, insisting he always gave everything for the club.

“I was upset at the fans, because I felt like I had given them my life… and now you’re saying I left for money? I found that very unfair,” he said, adding that, with time, the pain has eased.
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