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).

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.

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.