Despite most Arsenal fans realising Francis Coquelin wasn’t good enough to be the long-term midfield option, that hasn’t stopped the support pouring in following his transfer to Valencia.
Coquelin completed his £10m move to Valencia on Thursday afternoon, and Gooners everywhere breathed a sigh of relief. Although he filled a gap when needed, the midfielder was rash and sloppy.
Despite this, Arsenal fans have been posting in their hundreds (probably more like dozens, but you get the idea) to pay tribute to the 26-year-old.
While many acknowledge that the Frenchman isn’t good enough for the Gunners, Coquelin had a passion running through his veins that hardly any of our current players possess. He genuinely loved the club and wanted to do his best for it.
In 2014, at the age of just 23, he was recalled from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic because of injuries to Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. And you know what? He did a pretty solid job. He was there when we needed him.
When I decided to write a reactionary piece on Coquelin’s move to La Liga, I expected it to mainly consist of Gooners rejoicing. But instead, when I checked Twitter, I was hit by a wall of support for him.
10 years, 160 appearances, three assists and zero goals – Coquelin, you probably won’t be missed, but we wish you all the best, buddy.
All the best, #CoqBlock. #ThanksLeCoq. pic.twitter.com/5ATeRRzVg9
— Az’ #ARSENAL (@iAzxz) January 11, 2018
I’m actually gonna miss him pic.twitter.com/diYk09Hi4r
— Man Like Mesut (@_ManLikeMesut) January 11, 2018
Always played with passion. Good luck Francis pic.twitter.com/hNYNAT0Zx9
— P™ (@Cechque) January 11, 2018
Goodluck warrior. Arsenal through and through. pic.twitter.com/NotaXYs0La
— Sir Jenkinson (@theEpicGooner) January 11, 2018
If there is a player who still has my respect is Coquelin34. He is one of the players who knew what it means to play for Arsenal. He was a pure Gunner and will always be a Gunner. @Valencia ,treat our guy well because he gonna show you love and play for your badge. luck👊🏻 pic.twitter.com/udDQm0Hbvt
— 🇰🇪♡ Prof.Cymoh★🇰🇪 (@profCymoh67) January 11, 2018
Filled the void admirably, and it is without question that we need more players with his mentality. 💪🏼
— Pain In The Arsenal (@PainInThArsenal) January 11, 2018
Although, obviously there was the odd Gooner who couldn’t contain their excitement.
— Flouncey Magoo (@kevinonstage) January 11, 2018
— Chris Thornley (@thornley29) January 11, 2018
Good luck in Spain!