Injuries ruined Djourou’s Arsenal’s career
The Swiss international Johan Djourou spent 10 seasons with Arsenal before his departure in 2014, following loan moves to Birmingham City in 2007-08, Hannover 96 in 2013 and Hamburger SV in 2013-14, where he would eventually sign permanently after a season-long loan spell.
During his time with the Gunners, the Ivorian-born center-back made 144 appearances in Arsenal’s back-line and defensive midfield, but primarily in the heart of the back four where he was reliable and an imposing figure.
After the loan departure of Philippe Senderos to Seri A giants AC Milan and Kolo Toure’s move Manchester City, Djourou was eager to fight for his place and become a regular in Arsene Wenger starting Xl.
However, a knee injury caused Johan to miss eight months and fell in the pecking order, which would later derail his Arsenal career.
When asked about Djourou’s qualities, Arsene Wenger revealed, “Johan was a midfielder and that’s why he likes to come out and play with the ball but he is as well tall, strong in the air and quick. He has all the assets to become a very good centre back.”