Reflecting on Mathieu Debuchy’s time at Arsenal, where injuries derailed a promising career, as the French defender announces his retirement from football.

• Mathieu Debuchy announces his retirement from football at the age of 37
• The French defender experienced an injury-plagued time at Arsenal, limiting his impact at the club
• Debuchy plans to pursue a coaching career after hanging up his boots

Former Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. The French defender, who experienced an injury-plagued time at Arsenal, will hang up his boots at the end of the current season.

Debuchy started his professional career at Lille, where he won the Coupe de France and the French Championship in 2011. He then made a move to the Premier League, joining Arsenal in 2014 as a promising signing from Newcastle United. However, his time at the North London club was marked by a series of injuries that hindered his progress.

The Frenchman was brought in as a replacement for Bacary Sagna, who had departed for Manchester City. Debuchy made an impressive start to his Arsenal career, but a series of unfortunate injuries limited his game time and impact at the club.

Despite his talent and determination, Debuchy struggled to regain his form and fitness, eventually losing his place in the starting lineup to the emerging Hector Bellerin. The Spaniard’s rapid rise to prominence made it even more challenging for Debuchy to regain his position in the team.

In an attempt to revive his career, Debuchy left Arsenal for Bordeaux on loan in 2016, but his spell in France was short-lived as he returned to the Gunners later that year. Arsenal eventually parted ways with the right-back in January 2018, as he joined Saint-Étienne on a free transfer.

Debuchy rediscovered some of his best form at Saint-Étienne, earning a recall to the French national team in 2018. However, his time at Arsenal serves as a reminder of how injuries can significantly impact a player’s career.

Now, as Debuchy prepares for retirement, he has revealed his intentions to pursue a career in coaching. Speaking to 11 Valenciennes, he said, “I registered to pass the first coaching diploma, so we will continue on that.”

As Mathieu Debuchy’s playing career comes to an end, his time at Arsenal remains a story of unfulfilled potential, marred by injuries that prevented him from reaching the heights many had expected.