Thomas Vermaelen has turned down the chance to become a player-coach alongside Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht, opting instead for a move to Olympiakos.

Thomas Vermaelen’s journey at Barcelona seems to have finally come to an end.

The 33-year-old moved to Spain in 2014, costing the Catalans £17.1m. It has been anything but a success for the Belgian who was Arsenal’s captain when he decided to leave London. Five years as a Barca player has brought only 53 appearances for them. A season-long loan in Italy with Roma brought only another 12 as injuries took their toll. In total, he’s suffered 18 injuries, not including the thigh strain he had when he left Arsenal.

In short, Arsenal, yet again, got the better end of the deal by selling a player to Barcelona.

According to Belgian outlet Het Laatste Nieuws, Kompany offered Vermaelen the chance of a player-coach role alongside him at Anderlecht on a three-year deal but the defender has opted to extend his playing career and is expected to undergo a medical with Olympiakos.

Vermaelen is out of contract with Barcelona and is available on a free transfer.