Diaby: " I had hard times but also very beautiful moments"

Abou Diaby has admitted he looks back on his time at Arsenal with mixed emotions following his move to Marseille.

The French midfielder left north London after nine injury-ravaged years when his contract expired earlier this summer.

Diaby managed just two appearances in his final two seasons with the Gunners - but retained the support and sympathy of the club’s fans.

The 29-year-old said he was touched by the help and patience demonstrated by the club, but admitted his memories of Arsenal would always be tinged with regret.

“In nine years, I had hard times but also very beautiful moments,” he told radio station RMC. “I was fortunate to work alongside a coach like Arsene Wenger, who is a very, very great coach and a great man too.