St Etienne signing Mathieu Debuchy admits he had a tough time at Arsenal.

Debuchy had his contract terminated by the Gunners this week before joining ASSE on deadline day.

On his three years at Arsenal, the fullback told L'Equipe: "I had a hard time there, but I only want to remember the good memories.

"Training everyday with top players is not given to everyone. I had also started quite well but when you undergo two operations in six months (ankle and shoulder) in your first season, it complicates the task, inevitably.

"However, I still managed to come back but after, it's the coach's (Arsene Wenger) choice..."