His nine-year career at Arsenal has been an emotional and physical roller coaster.
Often
showing glimpses that he is the perfect mix of power and guile his
manager craves before spending weeks, or even years, in the treatment
room, Arsene Wenger now looks set to release this French midfielder at
the end of his contract in June. The ride is coming to an end.
1554
days, 222 weeks, over four years out injured. The numbers aren't as
pretty as his playing style can be. This is the curious case of Abou
Vassiriki Diaby.
Abou Diaby poses with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger upon his signing in January 2006
Diaby challenges Bolton's Matt Jansen (C) during a 1-1 draw at Highbury in 2006
Diaby sits on the first of the 60,000 seats to be installed at the Emirates Stadium before Arsenal moved in
Diaby beats Sunderland's Tommy Miller (right) during a match at the Stadium of Light in May 2006
When
Diaby arrived in the Premier League on January 13, 2006, Arsenal beat
off competition from Chelsea and Jose Mourinho to sign the 19-year-old
from Auxerre.
Comparisons
were already drawn to club legend and former captain Patrick Vieira
because of his height, intensity and technique on the ball.
'Diaby is a bit more offensive than Vieira but when he plays a more defensive role he is very similar,' Wenger said.
He
started off well, scoring his first goal for the Gunners in April
against Aston Villa, but his debut half-season in north London ended in
despair.
Diaby
was the victim of an 'assassins tackle' from Sunderland youngster Dan
Smith - according to Wenger - his sickening scream as he fractured his
ankle at the Stadium of Light must still be heard by the boss.
All 42 of Diaby's injuries since he joined Arsenal in January 2006
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