Retiring in 2019 after a stint with LA Galaxy, Michaël Ciani enjoyed a good career for a footballer, playing for the likes of Auxerre, Lorient, Bordeaux, Lazio, Sporting CP and Espanyol before heading to America.
He also managed to get himself one cap for France in the process, called up by Raymond Domenech back in 2010, which was probably the best period of his career.
His three years at Bordeaux attracted some attention from abroad, which the player recalled when speaking to Family Football Club, more specifically Arsenal.
Arsène Wenger was the manager at the time, and we all know the French manager loved to pluck some talent from Ligue 1 back when he was in charge of the Gunners, with Laurent Koscielny a shining example of his ability to spot talent where others might not.
Ciani appeared to be another one of these, but, relayed by Girondins4Ever, the now retired centre-back revealed why he never donned the red and white shirt of Arsenal.
He said: “The biggest club that came after me? I had a period when I was approached by Arsenal. It’s when I was at Bordeaux. It wasn’t my fault because I would have accepted immediately, but there was a story of agents, I think…
“I’d just arrived at Bordeaux, it was my first year. I was in the national team, the top scorer in the Champions League (laughs). I was really at the peak of my career. I therefore got that approach, and it was kind of just forgotten. It could have been a good opportunity for me”.
