Emmanuel Petit has hit out at Arsenal’s board for their “joke” decision to award David Luiz a new contract.
On Wednesday morning it was confirmed by Arsenal that the Brazilian center-back will stay for another 12 months at the Emirates Stadium.
From Luiz, The news comes on the back of some questionable displays especially in the 3-0 loss to Manchester City last week when he was at fault for two goals before being sent off.
Petit, who won the Premier League and FA Cup under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal, feels the decision reflects the direction his former club is heading.
“David Luiz hasn’t been a proper footballer for about three years. But I’m not surprised that he has been given a new contract at Arsenal because I’ve been very disappointed in relation to the club’s activity in the transfer market,” he told Paddy Power.
“I’ve been particularly upset in relation to the defenders. We all know one of Arsenal’s major weaknesses is the defenses and nothing has changed. This makes me miss Arsene Wenger.”
“If I was David Luiz, of course, I would sign a new deal and I would also say a prayer of thanks to the Arsenal directors every time I wake up. Even when he last won the Premier League with Chelsea, he’s not the same player anymore. This guy has lost something.”
“To be honest, it’s a joke. Find some proper defenders. Are you telling me there are no young talented defenders on the market? I just don’t get it.”
Pablo Mari, Cedric Soares, and Dani Ceballos also approved contract extensions of varying lengths for Arsenal, who are back in Premier League action with a trip to Southampton on Thursday night.
