I joined Arsenal after manager humiliated me in front of the team - I'm happier now

The Arsenal star has been a valuable member of Mikel Arteta's side since his transfer to north London

Leoandro Trossard, who left Brighton for Arsenal amidst controversy in 2023, is set to face his former club this evening. The Belgian international claimed he was "humiliated" in front of his team-mates by his ex-manager Roberto De Zerbi, which led to his move to north London.

Trossard had a successful four-year stint on the south coast before an alleged fallout with De Zerbi resulted in him reportedly leaving a training session early without permission - a claim the now-30 year old vehemently denies.

Former Brighton manager De Zerbi alleges that the trigger point was Trossard finding out he wouldn't be playing in Brighton's FA Cup match against Middlesbrough, which subsequently led to his exclusion from a Premier League game against Liverpool.

At the time, the Italian said: "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."

In response to these allegations, Trossard's agent stated that his client left training due to a calf problem that the club's medical team was aware of. He added that this incident led to the midfielder seeking 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.

"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.

"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 moved to Arsenal in January 2023, with the north London outfit paying £27million to secure the Belgian's services. Throughout his stint at the Emirates, the winger has built a reputation as a game-changing substitute.

However, he's lately secured a more regular role in Mikel Arteta's starting XI and featured from the outset in Arsenal's 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, which secured the Gunners' position at the Premier League summit.

In March, he expressed his contentment at Arsenal and how this motivates him to deliver for the supporters each matchday. "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.

"That's why you are playing football, for us to be remembered and also to play for them. At the end of the day, the club is built because of the fans. If they are not there, there's nothing to play for as well.

"You want to give something back and then it's nice if they give back as well. It's all love. We drive past the mural. We leave the stadium and stuff, so you see it and it's nice."