Arsenal right-back Mathieu Debuchy has revealed that he considered leaving the club during the transfer window after losing his place in the starting XI.
The French international joined the club in 2014 but ankle ligament injuries and a dislocated shoulder limited him to 11 appearances last season.
The 30-year-old has played once this season, in the 2-0 defeat to West Ham United, and has been replaced by 20-year-old Hector Bellerin, who earned his first call-up to the Spain squad this week.
The full-back told L'Equipe: "It is difficult, even if I had not played a lot last season, in my head I would return to start after my recovery. But, at the Community Shield against Chelsea, Wenger chose him, Bellerin.
"It was a surprise and a disappointment. Let's say it [leaving] crossed my mind. But I want to be at Arsenal and to take my place."
Debuchy is with the French national team ahead of their friendlies against Portugal and Serbia.
Nathan Staples
