Former Gunner Philippe Senderos is currently enjoying life at MLS side, Houston Dynamo.

After signing for Dynamo in August, Senderos has gone from starting on the bench to being named captain by new coach Wilmer Cabrera. Since, the 32-year-old’s attitude has made him a key member of the MLS team, who beat Portland Timbers 2-1 in the Western Conference semi-finals.

“If you’re a competitor, you don’t come over to stay on the bench,” Senderos told Goal.

“Obviously I was going to come in and try to fight for my place and play as many games as possible.

“If I can help the team, which I know I can, I can get some playing time. But there were many other factors. I just wanted to work hard and fight for my place.”

Senderos was at Arsenal from 2003 – 2010. The Gunners signed him from Servette and the Switzerland international was instantly plagued by injuries. Even when he was fit, however, the centre-back wasn’t the most reliable defender and was at fault for Chelsea’s two goals during Arsenal’s 2-1 Community Shield defeat in 2005.

He also picked up three red cards and 14 yellows.

While in north London, he made a total of 113 appearances over seven years, only 64 of which were in the Premier League.

“The fact that I’ve been in many different places, I’ve had to adapt and that’s helped,” Senderos said.

“I wish I’d stayed in one place the whole time, but sometimes life has different plans for you. So I’ve had to adapt and people here have been great with me and I’ve been welcomed here with open arms.”

Since leaving Arsenal, Senderos has played for Fulham, Valencia, Aston Villa, Grasshoppers and was released by Rangers in May. However, it seems that he’s finally found his footing in the MLS. Although it’s still early days, Cabrera seems impressed with him.

It’s good to see him rounding off his career in a positive way and, if he stays injury free, it’ll only get better from here. Good luck to him.