5 memorable moments from Arsenal’s greatest ‘could have been’

He’ll always be hailed as something of an Arsenal hero, but in truth the good times never really rolled long enough for Abou Diaby despite the midfielder spending a decade of his career at the Emirates.

Diaby’s talent was never in question. However, overshadowing any of his on-pitch exploits at Arsenal was the Frenchman’s succession of debilitating injuries, culminating in the accumulation of just 180 total Gunners appearances.

Having not made a single of those in 2014/15, the club have finally released the 29-year-old with latest reports indicating an MLS move is imminent. He’ll no doubt be covered in several layers of bubble wrap for the transatlantic journey if FC Dallas have done their homework.

Still, it wasn’t all bad for Diaby in north London as his 16 assists, 19 goals and comparisons with Arsenal legend Patrick Viera bear testament to.

Here are five memories which may stick in the minds of Arsenal fans sad to see such a promising career peter out.

2006 – Just four months after signing form Auxerre Diaby suffers a horrific ankle fracture and misses the Champions League final

2007 – ‘Fit’ again, Diaby scores arguably his best goal in a Gunners shirt against Derby

2007 – Scores against Liverpool in second leg of the Champions League quarter-final but then ruled out for the rest of the season with thigh injury

2011 – Gets sent off for his reaction to Joey Barton’s lunge tackle, then misses almost the entirety of the 2011/12 campaign through injury

2012 – Gets Sky Sport’s official MOM against Liverpool early in 12/13 season for a consummate display then in March undergoes surgery for anterior cruciate injury

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