Laurent Koscielny: The Unique Journey in French Football That Paved His Way to Arsenal

As the former defender turned 39 on Tuesday, let's take a look back at his impressive career. Koscielny broke through with Guingamp's first team in Ligue 2, playing from 2004 to 2007 while making 47 appearances across all competitions. 

He eventually moved to another French club in France's second division, Tours FC, and made 78 appearances across all competitions. In a 2016 interview with L'Equipe, Koscielny discussed his early career in French football and his unique path to Ligue 1.

"You need a little bit of everything to make the world. I am not the only example with an unusual career path. There is Giroud, Valbuena and others… We went through complicated things during our careers, but we managed to overcome them. We know that work always pays."

"Work, humility, respect for people who enabled us to improve and to reach new levels. And then maybe we took a bit of time to get there, but we are also more seasoned and collected. I am lucky to be a professional. To play at the highest level every weekend in stadiums that are full. For me, it is only joy."

Eventually, he tasted Ligue 1 football after transferring to Lorient in 2009. Koscielny played the 2009-10 season with Les Merlus, making 40 appearances across all competitions.

After one season with Lorient, Koscielny moved to Arsenal and would have a decade-long career with the Gunners playing from 2010 to 2019. Koscielny made 353 total appearances, scoring 27 goals and recording four assists.

Koscielny would also win three FA Cups and three FA Community Shields during his tenure with Arsenal. In the same interview with L'Equipe, the center-back spoke about adjusting to life in London.

"I love London. I remember that when I arrived I was 24. I had never lived in a big town, it was a big step into the unknown and a radical change. But, today, I feel good. My family is happy. People are calmer than in Paris, there is respect. I have everything to be able to enjoy myself as a footballer and I do not know if I would find that anywhere else."

After leaving Arsenal in 2019, Koscielny returned to Ligue 1 to play the final years of his career with Bordeaux. The defender made 65 appearances and played four years for the French side.

Eventually, Koscielny hung up his boots in 2022 to cap off a nearly 20-year career. Now, in his post-playing career, Koscielny is entering management, having been named to Lorient's sports director this past June.

Photo credit: THOMAS BREGARDIS/AFP via Getty Images

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