Marseille coach Jose Anigo has branded Matthieu Flamini a traitor over reports the midfielder has signed a four-year deal with Arsenal.
According to French daily L’Equipe Flamini had not signed a contract with Marseille and can therefore move without a fee. Arsenal would have to pay compensation, however it’s unlikely to be anywhere near the sum they would have paid had the French under-21 international been under contract.
“This is a beautiful treason, he used me,” said Anigo, who added Flamini had said he was worried about his opportunities for next year:
“He didn’t sign for us only because of the money. His argument that he wanted a first-team slot doesn’t hold up, unless of course he plans to keep Vieira out of the Arsenal team.”
Born in Marseille Flamini played 14 games for the club, establishing himself in the team during the second-half of the season, and appearing in the UEFA Cup final.