Emmanuel Petit, the former midfield maestro of Arsenal, recently opened up about the personal reason behind his unexpected departure from the Gunners to Barcelona in 2000.

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Petit, who played a crucial role in Arsenal's success alongside Patrick Vieira, revealed that his decision to leave was driven by personal matters.

Arriving at Arsenal before the 1997–98 season, Petit formed a dynamic partnership with Vieira, helping the team clinch the Premier League title and the FA Cup in 1998, among other achievements. Despite his stellar contributions – including 11 goals and 24 assists across competitions – Petit stunned fans with his move to Barcelona just two years later.

In a candid reflection, Petit admitted that his departure was influenced by personal reasons, particularly his relationship with a woman. While he had always admired clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid, he expressed regret over leaving Arsenal, acknowledging that staying with the Gunners would have been the wiser choice.

In his own words, Petit shared, "You know, sometimes the grass is not greener elsewhere. It’s better to stay where you are when you receive love, happiness, and success. If I could turn back time, I would probably make a different decision."

Petit's personal life took a turn when he married French actress Agathe de la Fontaine in 2000 and later separated from her two years later, adding another layer to his departure from Arsenal.