“Don’t Let Your Wife Decide Where You Go”: Ex Arsenal and Barcelona Star Warns Footballers

• Emmanuel Petit has shared his advice with active footballers concerning their career destinations
• He made the decision to leave Arsenal and join Barcelona in 2000 and admits he still regrets that
• Petit's wife played a significant role in influencing his decision to switch from the EPL to La Liga

Emmanuel Petit has cautioned footballers against heeding their partners' influence when choosing their career destinations.

Openly acknowledging his remorse over leaving Arsenal for Barcelona, Petit provided advice to players who are contemplating the impact of external influences, particularly those of their spouses, on their professional paths.

The 1998 World Cup winner joined Arsenal in the summer of 1997, seamlessly integrating himself into a team that would soon dominate English football during that very season, Planet Football reports.

However, after three years, he bid farewell to the Gunners, bringing an end to his time with the formidable squad.

Despite the allure of playing alongside renowned players like Rivaldo and Patrick Kluivert in the Spanish league, Petit has lamented his decision to move and is deeply regretful.

Mason Mount breaks silence on Man United rumours

Football

“I was very happy at Arsenal, with the fans and my teammates. I played well, and we won the double. But I could feel that Arsene was thinking of selling me," Petit told FourFourTwo.

Petit believes the legendary manager wanted to sign other players and these same signings would help make the team 'invincible'.

“But the main reason I decided to leave was my wife. Sure, there were sporting reasons - I wanted to win the Champions League - but my wife was tired of the rain and wanted to live in the sun, so I listened to her. If I have any advice for players now, it’s: ‘Don’t let your wife decide where you go’.”

Petit's marital life

In 2000, Petit married French actress, Agathe de La Fontaine. However, their union concluded in 2002 shortly after welcoming their daughter, Zoe.

The footballer is now in a relationship with Maria Servello, with the couple welcoming another child - Violet - in 2007.

Ibrahimovic produces rare emotional moment as he announces his retirement

Football

Messi's wife against Saudi move

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported on Lionel Messi's potential move to Saudi Arabia being affected by his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo

The veteran had received a reported mega offer from Al-Hilal - believed to be at least €400 million per year - to ditch Europe for the Middle East.

Roccuzzo was said to be hesitant about moving with their three sons, while L'Equipe added the veteran himself would prefer to stay in Europe.