Former Arsenal defender, Johan Djourou, has signed a one-year deal with S.P.A.L. in Italy after the Swiss defender reached an agreement with Antalyaspor to terminate his contract, allowing him to join the Italians for free.

The 31-year-old, who is never shy when it comes to offering his opinion and support to Arsenal, was included in the Swiss 23-man World Cup squad but played only 90 minutes at what was his third World Cup (2006, 2014).

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 03: Marcus Berg of Sweden holds back Johan Djourou of Switzerland during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 3, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 03: Marcus Berg of Sweden holds back Johan Djourou of Switzerland during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between Sweden and Switzerland at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 3, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

SP.A.L. 2013 (Società Polisportiva Ars et Labor) earned promotion from Serie B last season and will compete in Italy’s top flight in 18/19. They made their way to Serie B in 15/16 for the first time since 92/93. It has been 49 years since they played in Serie A.

djourour spal
via S.P.A.L. 2013

Djourou made 144 appearances for Arsenal during his 11 years at the club, scoring one goal and creating six assists.

A series of loans towards the end of his time at the club ended when he was sold to Hamburger for £2.52m in 2014. He remained there for three years before a free transfer to Turkish side, Antalyaspor last summer.

His one-year deal with S.P.A.L. 2103 comes with the option of an additional 12 months.