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Mathieu Debuchy: “I cannot stay at Arsenal.”

Speaking in an interview with L’Équipe, French right-back Mathieu Debuchy confirmed that he would be leaving Arsenal this month. In full.

Aston Villa are pushing hard to sign you on loan…

Yes, it is true, they are one of the teams that is interested in me. I am in the process of looking at everything but it is not an option that I am excluding. Whatever happens, even if it is to come back in summer and leave after that, I need to leave this winter. I cannot stay at Arsenal.

Is the idea to save your place for EURO 2016?

Certainly. The more that the weeks go by, the closer we are getting to the Euros. I need to play in order to try to come back for March for the Netherlands vs France and Russia vs France.

Aston Villa are last in the Premier League. Does that affect whether or not you want to join them?

Certainly, that makes you think. It is also for that reason that I am taking my time before making a decision. On the other hand, it could also be a great challenge. Even if they are currently in trouble, Aston Villa are one of the great English clubs. It is also for that reason that I do not rule out this option. I have also spoken to the coach (Remi Garde) on the phone. That went well.

Bayer Leverkusen are also interested in you…

Yes that is true and that could interest me too… We will see… The most important thing is to play in an attractive league. I will also take into account the opinions of my family. I have just had a fourth child.

Do you regret not having left in the summer of 2015?

Yes, I have clearly lost 6 months. I would have preferred to leave last summer but the manager said to me that I would have my chance. In the end, that was not the case.

Are you angry at him?

I do not know who is at fault. Last year, I was injured, I was out for a long time and Bellerin was playing good matches. This summer, I prepared well and I was ready to start the season in the starting XI but the manager decided differently. There you have it, it is competition, there is nothing wrong with that. That is football.

How have you dealt with these last few months?

It has been very difficult, I have had some difficult moments. It is the first time that I find myself in this situation. Playing a match once every two months, it is not possible.

And when you have played, you have paid for your lack of rhythm…

Rhythm, you cannot have it in one match… Today, my last match was a little less than two months ago. I do not know what type of condition I am in. In my position, you need to defend, and bring it offensively. If I was to start tomorrow, I do not even know if I could last the whole match. That is why I can no longer remain in this situation..