You know what haunts me more than the ghost of “if only Eduardo hadn’t broken his leg” or the eternal scream of “Wenger, just buy a bloody DM”?
It’s the sight of former Arsenal players — yes, players WE nurtured, players WE gave a platform, players WE believed in through their dodgy hamstrings and 12-game goal droughts — parading around with silverware in other bloody kits.
You want to know pain? It’s not just losing a final. It’s watching your ex with a better haircut, a richer partner, and a shiny trophy cabinet they never helped build when they were with you. So let’s go through the roll call of betrayal — aka The Traitor Files, Arsenal Addict style.
Robin van Judas
- Left for: Manchester United
- Won: Premier League (2012/13)
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: COBRA COMMANDER
Ah yes, the Flying Dutchman of Deceit. One good season where he finally stayed fit and decided he was too good for us. I kid you not, I saw this man — with my own eyes — in a gym in Canary Wharf right after the move. He looked over, our eyes nearly met.
Did I acknowledge him?
No.
I turned the other way. Blank stare. Cold shoulder. Stone cold silence. He looked sad — and good. He bloody deserved it. That title at United? Stolen valor. He’s no Arsenal great. Just a cautionary tale in shin pads.
Ashley Cole
- Left for: Chelsea
- Won: EVERYTHING. Prem, FA Cups, League Cups, Champions League, the lot.
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: MEDUSA
From Cashley to Champions League winner. He left over a £5k pay dispute. FIVE GRAND. That’s the price of a midrange Vespa!
Do I rate him as one of the best left-backs of his generation? Of course.
Do I rate him as an Arsenal great?
Absolutely not.
He rewrote his legacy in blue, and even if he was part of the Invincibles, he chose enemy territory. He’s Chelsea royalty. Arsenal history footnote.
Cesc Fàbregas
- Left for: Barcelona, then Chelsea
- Won: La Liga, Copa del Rey, Premier League (Chelsea)
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: SPANISH INQUISITOR
Now this one hurts. My little midfield general. El Capitan. The prodigy who wore the armband like a heavy crown.
I forgave the Barcelona move — childhood club, homecoming narrative, yadda yadda. But then… Chelsea?
Nah.
You can’t kiss the cannon and then high-five Costa.
Cesc was almost a legend. Now he’s just a tragedy. The great “what if.” Arsenal folklore, not Arsenal greatness.
Samir Nasri
- Left for: Manchester City
- Won: Premier League (twice), FA Cup
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: BUDGET MALFOY
Slick hair. Slick mouth. Zero loyalty.
Nasri gave us six good months and an Instagram attitude before jumping ship to the cash cow.
He wanted success and got it. But I don’t remember anyone making murals for him at City, do you?
Not a great. Not a legend. Not even a fond memory. Just an emoji in a WhatsApp group titled “Why We Can’t Have Nice Things.”
Bacary Sagna
- Left for: Manchester City
- Won: League Cup
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: RELUCTANT WEASEL
This one? More sad than angry. Sagna gave us everything. Bombed up and down that right wing like a soldier. Then he left… for the bench at City.
Won a few bits and bobs, sure, but honestly, it felt like he lost more than he gained.
Do I call him a great?
Just shy of it. Left a year too soon. Could’ve been a proper cult hero. Still, no venom here — just disappointment.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
- Left for: Liverpool
- Won: Premier League, Champions League
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: THE FORGOTTEN ONE
Let’s be real. He left, won trophies, and no one even noticed.
Injuries, inconsistencies — the Ox never fulfilled his potential with us.
He got the medals at Liverpool, but was he the reason for them? Nah.
Not an Arsenal great. Not even in the conversation. A highlight reel merchant who cashed in elsewhere.
Gaël Clichy
- Left for: Manchester City
- Won: Premier League (twice), League Cups
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: THE SILENT EXIT
Clichy dipped like a thief in the night. One day he was there, the next he was in sky blue with a shiny medal.
Another Invincible who became invisible in our memory.
Good player, solid servant. But did he lead, inspire, elevate?
Nope.
File under: “Thanks, but meh.”
Alexis Sánchez
- Left for: Manchester United (after pouting at Arsenal)
- Won: Absolutely NOTHING
- Verdict: SNAKE LEVEL: KARMA’S PET
Oh how the mighty sulked.
Alexis forced a move to United like a child demanding a toy — only to get there and realise it was a broken knockoff.
From world-class to bench fodder with a piano.
Did he win titles? Nah.
Did he ruin his legacy? Absolutely.
Do I laugh every time I remember how that transfer flopped? You bet I do.
FINAL VERDICT:
- Who’s an Arsenal great? Only those who bled for the badge and stayed through the mud. Henry. Bergkamp. Adams. Wright. Vieira. Legends. Warriors. Gods among Gooners.
Those who left and lifted elsewhere?
They’re statues in other people’s gardens.
Not ours.
So to the next generation — if you love Arsenal, stay. Make history HERE. Don’t chase trophies like a mercenary. Build your legacy where it matters.
Otherwise? The Arsenal Addict will be watching… from the corner of a Canary Wharf gym… silently judging you.
