Kieran Gibbs' departure from Arsenal "hurt" Arsene Wenger and his former prodigy is now set to call quits on his career at 33.
The defender is among the recognisable names to jet across the Atlantic and join David Beckham 's Florida revolution with Inter Miami. Gibbs and the club have now agreed to mutually terminate his contract however, with the Englishman taking up an 'on-air talent' role with the MLS side, according to reports.
Once destined for huge things at the Emirates, Gibbs chose to leave north London in 2017 as he opted for a switch to West Brom, with whom he would suffer relegation a year later. Wenger had mentored the Englishman, who joined the Gunners at the age of 10.
He was morphed from a left winger to a full-back, with Wenger confessing he was by no means one of the standouts in his age group. But the Frenchman saw something in him and found it difficult to see him leave - more so than players not developed in the academy, such as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who left for Liverpool.
Wenger had admitted: "Overall it's true that with Gibbs (it hurt) more than Chamberlain because he had been educated at Arsenal from the age of 10.
"When he arrived he was a left-winger. I transformed him into a full-back because he was not necessarily rated as a guy who would make it as a left winger but I saw something in him that was very intelligent, with pace, that made me feel he could make it as a left-back.
"(Academy players) carry the values that you think are important, which are based on mental qualities, humility, respect and commitment, and as well football qualities which means you always try to play in a positive way. Plus real team play and focusing on a collective way."
Gibbs made over 200 appearances for the north Londoners and eventually left England all together in 2021. Beckham's franchise entered MLS with big names and big expectations, but have so far struggled to be a success with Phil Neville now in charge.
America's unique model, which includes post-season play-offs and a guarantee of playing in the same league year in, year out, does make for a culture shift.
"It's like a different sport here" Gibbs told the Daily Mail. "There's no relegation. And nowhere in England can prepare you for conditions like these. Physically it was tough. It surprised me — the fitness levels, even technically as well. It's a high standard."
Gibbs' time in Florida, as well as playing across the USA, will have opened his eyes to the level required, as well as the type of club Inter Miami want to be. Those learnings will be crucial in his new role and the former Arsenal man knows there is no quick fix.
He said: "It's obviously a brand new club and it's going to take time. The most important thing is just getting the identity of the club, the values. Because that just sets a certain standard that everyone has to match when they come in every day."
