A number of players over the years have ultimately ended up regretting leaving Arsenal.
Indeed, Arsenal are one of the biggest football clubs on the planet, and often players’ careers begin to decline when they leave north London.
Jack Wilshere regretted leaving Arsenal when he joined West Ham, while Emmanuel Petit wishes he’d stayed at Arsenal instead of joining Barcelona.
However, for some players, leaving Arsenal is the right call.
Bernd Leno has no regrets about leaving Arsenal as he’s now starring as Fulham’s number one, while speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Andy Cole has been discussing his departure from Highbury.
According to the striker, leaving Arsenal was one of the best things he’s done in his life, claiming that he didn’t see any route for progression when he was at the Gunners.
Andy Cole playing for Arsenal vs Sampdoria.
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images
Andy Cole says he’s so happy he left Arsenal
Cole spoke about his departure from Arsenal.
The Manchester United legend started his career at the Gunners, but he didn’t get many opportunities in north London.
Cole now views his decision to leave Arsenal as one of the best decisions he’s ever made.
“You need that bit of edge, leaving Arsenal is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I remember speaking to my Granddad when I made the decision. I said to him I’m thinking about leaving Arsenal because I don’t see myself moving forward. He said that sometime in life you need a step backwards to go forwards. When he said that I knew I was prepared to do that. I knew I was good enough,” Cole said.
Andy Cole’s trophy haul compared to Arsenal
Cole says that leaving Arsenal was the best decision he’s ever made, and he’s not wrong.
The striker was stuck behind the likes of Ian Wright and Kevin Campbell at Arsenal, and he wasn’t getting first-team chances.
Upon leaving Highbury, Cole became a star for Newcastle and Manchester United, winning a number of trophies along the way.
Cole had an incredible trophy haul during his career, and since his departure from Arsenal, you could argue that Cole has been more successful than his former club.
Andy Cole Arsenal since 1992
5 League titles 3
3 FA Cups 9
1 League Cups 1
1 Champions Leagues 0
Arsenal have won more trophies than Cole since his departure, but, that said, they have had an extra 20 years to add to their trophy haul since Cole stopped playing at the very highest level.
Cole still has more league titles and Champions Leagues than Arsenal since his departure, and it’s fair to say the England international had the last laugh over the Gunners.