'I left for Arsenal after the boss humiliated me in front of team-mates - I'm happier now'

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Leoandro Trossard left Brighton for Arsenal amid a storm in 2023 - and he's in line to face his former club this Wednesday. The Belgian claimed he was "humiliated" in front of his team-mates by his ex-boss Roberto De Zerbi , before forcing a move to north London .

Trossard enjoyed four positive years on the south coast before a falling out with De Zerbi led to him allegedly leaving a training session early without permission - something the now-30-year-old denies happened.

Former Brighton boss De Zerbi claims the catalyst was Trossard learning that he would not feature in Brighton's FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough, with his subsequent behaviour ruling him out of a Premier League match against Liverpool.

The Italian told the press at the time: "He left the session without saying anything to me. And it's not good. I spoke with him, and I explained this attitude [and] behaviour, I don't like.

"I am open with him to take a step back and listen to him, but he has to understand me; I want only players who work hard and play for the team 100 per cent."

Trossard's agent immediately responded to the claims, saying his client left training due to a calf issue that the club's medical team was aware of. He added that the episode led to the midfielder wanting a transfer elsewhere.

His statement read: "Before Leandro left for Qatar , Brighton's intention was to have Leandro sign on. This did not happen, as the parties did not come to an agreement. Leandro has also indicated that he is ready for his next step.

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"After the World Cup, there was an altercation between Leandro and a player in training over a trivial matter. Since then, the manager no longer speaks to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, nor is it performance-oriented.

"Leandro still had a starting place against Southampton and Arsenal, but against Everton, he was on the bench. He was also not included in the five substitutions that took place at the time, and this without any explanation.

"In the run-up to the game against Middlesbrough for the FA Cup, Leandro had already indicated twice that he had problems with his calf. This was the reason why he stopped training. This was, incidentally, in consultation with the medical staff.

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"The manager told Leandro that he had to train separately. Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in group and indicated that he no longer wanted to see him. A manager who has not communicated directly with his player for four weeks is really incomprehensible. Incidentally, it is also the manager who has indicated several times that a transfer is the most convenient solution.

"It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties."

Trossard joined Arsenal in January 2023, with the north London club spending £27million to land the Belgian. During his time at the Emirates, the midfielder has earned himself a reputation as a supersub.

But he's recently enjoyed a more prominent place in Mikel Arteta's side and started in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last weekend, which cemented the Gunners' place as Premier League leaders.

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In March, he spoke out about how happy he is at Arsenal and how this pushes him to give back to the fans each weekend. "From the very first moment I joined the club, I always felt the love as well and on the pitch," he said.

"That's why I want to give so much back as well in terms of goals, assists. It's the best feeling in the world when you're on the pitch and they shout your name and you can celebrate together a goal or whatever. I'm really, really happy here and I think I can enjoy that on the pitch as well.