Former Arsenal star claims he will love to play for the club again if he has the chance<\/p>\n
Former Arsenal captain Alexandre Lacazette has opened up about his deep affection for the club and his admiration for the current squad under Mikel Arteta. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, the French striker, who now plies his trade at Lyon, expressed a heartfelt desire to return to the North London club, admitting that Arsenal has reached a level of excellence he wished he could have experienced as a player.<\/p>\n
\u201cArsenal Was Never This Better When I Was There\u201d<\/p>\n
Reflecting on his time at Arsenal, Lacazette acknowledged the struggles the team faced during his tenure. Joining the club in the summer of 2017 from Lyon for a then-club record fee, Lacazette endured several transitional years under managers Ars\u00e8ne Wenger, Unai Emery, and eventually Mikel Arteta. While he contributed important goals and won the FA Cup in 2020, the team was often inconsistent, missing out on Champions League football during much of his time.<\/p>\n
\u201cArsenal was never this good when I was there,\u201d Lacazette admitted. \u201cOf course, we had great moments, and I will always cherish my time in London, but seeing what the team has become now\u2014it\u2019s incredible. The chemistry, the hunger, the quality of players\u2026 it\u2019s on another level.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI Wish I Was Still There to Play With This Current Squad\u201d<\/p>\n
Lacazette went on to express his admiration for Arsenal\u2019s current squad, which has risen to prominence under Arteta. With players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Martin \u00d8degaard, and Declan Rice shining, the Gunners have become a formidable force in both the Premier League and Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look at the young talents like Saka, Martinelli, and \u00d8degaard, and I think, \u2018Wow, this is the Arsenal I always dreamed of playing for.\u2019 The football they\u2019re playing now is beautiful, and I wish I was still there to experience it with them,\u201d Lacazette said with a sense of nostalgia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I Ever Have the Chance, I Would Love to Play for the Team Again\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite moving back to Lyon in 2022, where he has rediscovered his scoring touch and leadership role, Lacazette did not shy away from admitting that Arsenal remains close to his heart.<\/p>\n
\u201cI still watch all their games, and I cheer for them like a true fan,\u201d he shared. \u201cIf I ever have the chance, I would love to play for the team again. Arsenal is not just a club for me\u2014it\u2019s like a family. I\u2019ll always feel connected to it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lacazette\u2019s Legacy at Arsenal<\/p>\n
During his five-year stint at the Emirates, Lacazette made 206 appearances and scored 71 goals across all competitions. While he may not have reached the heights of some of Arsenal\u2019s legendary strikers, he was a reliable presence in attack and often stepped up in crucial moments. His leadership qualities also came to the fore in his final season, where he captained the side during a transitional phase under Arteta.<\/p>\n
Fans have fond memories of Lacazette\u2019s passion, work ethic, and his partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which provided Arsenal supporters with some memorable moments.<\/p>\n
A Potential Reunion?<\/p>\n
While Lacazette is now 33 years old, his recent comments have sparked excitement among some Arsenal fans, who would welcome him back in a mentorship or backup role. However, with Arsenal currently boasting a strong forward line led by Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, a reunion seems unlikely.<\/p>\n
Still, Lacazette\u2019s remarks highlight the emotional bond many former players share with the club. His words serve as a testament to the progress Arsenal has made under Arteta, reigniting the pride and connection that players and fans alike feel for the club.<\/p>\n
For now, Arsenal fans can only reminisce about Lacazette\u2019s contributions while appreciating his continued support from afar. Regardless of whether he ever dons the famous red-and-white jersey again, Alexandre Lacazette\u2019s love for Arsenal is undeniable\u2014and it\u2019s a sentiment that remains mutual.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Former Arsenal star claims he will love to play for the club again if he has the chance<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":15224,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-15223","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-football"],"yoast_head":"\n