'Overnight he forgot about me - just like that': Chamakh slates Arsenal boss Wenger

Updated 13/10/2016 at 11:18 GMT

Former Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh has launched an attack on Arsene Wenger, complaining about the treatment he received from the Gunners boss during his time at the club.

Wenger , Chamakh

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The 32-year-old, now at Cardiff City, was on the books at Arsenal between 2010 and 2013 as one of Ligue 1's hottest strikers, having helped Bordeaux to the French title in 2009.

But after an initial run in the team he was thrown on the scrapheap, making just 40 appearances and bagging a total of eight goals.

The way he was handled at The Emirates clearly still rankles, as he has given an interview with France's RMC Sport in which he's slammed Wenger's "lack of respect" as he was tossed aside for Robin van Persie.

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And while Chamakh had no problem playing second fiddle to the Dutchman, he feels he was treated very badly with empty promises.

"When I started, it went really well," said Chamakh (in quotes translated by ESPN).

"I took advantage of Van Persie's injuries, which cleared my path. I played for six months, I scored goals, I contributed.

"In January, Robin came back from injury and overnight I found myself on the bench without any explanation...

FOOTBALL 2012 Arsenal - Chamakh

Image credit: AFP

"Obviously I'm a little bit annoyed with [Wenger], because I think I deserved more playing time than he gave and promised me.

"The year passed and at the start of the next season, he told me that the tactical system would perhaps change and that I would maybe start with Robin.

"It was only promises. There was nothing at the end of them.

"That year, Robin was incredible, he was player of the year. I couldn't say anything, and I wasn't going to go and see [Wenger] and tell him that I should be playing instead. Robin was a lot better than me.

"For the ambitions I had, I think it was a little bit of a lack of respect. I had started well, and overnight he forgot about me just like that.

"He asked me to be patient, told me that Robin wouldn't play more than 10 matches in a row, that he would get injured, but it lasted the whole year. There came a time when I had to make a decision and I left the club."