Abou Diaby struggled to hold back tears as Arsenal fans raved about his unerring potential on French television. The Gunners maestro, 36, was signed as their next dictatorial playmaker in 2006 after seeing former hardman Patrick Viera depart for Juventus 12 months earlier. Arsene Wenger paid just £2m to pry him from breakthrough club Auxerre and his silky displays immediately saw him build an earnest rapport with the Arsenal faithful. Written into folklore for an incredible individual performance against Liverpool, the Frenchman produced a midfielder masterclass as the Gunners claimed a famous 2-0 win at Anfield. However, constant thigh and groin injuries cruelly prevented Diaby from ever...
Full Story »