The revelation by the French football legend and former world champion, nearly 24 years later, sheds light on the reason behind his departure from Arsenal – it was due to a romantic involvement.
Emanuel Petit’s arrival at “Highbury” from Monaco in 1997 marked the beginning of an exceptional partnership with compatriot Patrick Vieira in midfield, under the guidance of Arsene Wenger. This partnership played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 1998 league and cup double, a success that extended to the global stage as they helped France secure victory in the 1998 World Cup.
Having made over 80 appearances for “The Gunners” in the Premier League, Petit’s unexpected move to Barcelona in 2000 came as a shock to many.
The 53-year-old football veteran faced challenges during his brief stint at “Camp Nou” before returning to England after just 12 months, signing with Chelsea where he remained until retiring from professional football in 2004.
Reflecting on his decision to leave Arsenal, Petit candidly admits that it was motivated by matters of the heart rather than financial or professional ambitions.
“I left Arsenal because of a woman. Despite my admiration for Barcelona and Real Madrid, two football giants, I now realize I should have stayed at Arsenal,” confessed Emanuel Petit in an interview with “Football España”.
Petit tied the knot with French actress Agathe de La Fontaine in 2000, with whom he shares a child, although their marriage ended in divorce two years later.
In hindsight, Petit acknowledges that sometimes the allure of elsewhere is not worth abandoning the love, joy, and success found in one’s current situation. Given the chance, he would likely have made a different choice.
Petit faced challenges adapting to life under coach Lorenzo Serra Ferrer at Barcelona, where internal conflicts within the team and managerial issues compounded the difficulties. His time at Chelsea was also marred by a serious knee injury, hastening his retirement from the sport just three years later.