Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has expressed disappointment over the growing distance between the club and its supporters. He believes Arsenal is not giving fans enough attention, and the relationship between them has changed significantly.

Petit recently discussed this issue on the "White and Jordan" show on talkSPORT. The former France international, who played for Arsenal from 1997 to 2000 and helped the club win the Premier League and FA Cup, said that during a recent visit to Copenhagen, many Arsenal fans expressed their disappointment with the club. He noted that similar sentiments exist among some former players as well.

"They were all saying the same thing — they no longer feel like supporters, but like customers," Petit said. "The relationship they once had with Arsenal is gone."

"I told them not to be surprised, because as former players, our relationship with the club is similar in some ways," he added.

Petit also revealed that Arsenal has never invited him to be a club ambassador or participate in related events. He stressed that he doesn't believe the club is obligated to contact him, but regrets the lack of communication.

"There are some former Arsenal players who are closely connected with the club and travel around the world representing it at events," he said. "But I've never received any invitations, and the club has never asked me to do anything."

"Every time I've participated in an event representing Arsenal, it was through commercial partnerships, not through a direct invitation from the club," he stated.

Regarding the relationship between fans and the club, Petit said: "Supporters are the most important part of the football industry. Without supporters, there is no revenue; they pay for everything."

"I'm very happy and proud to be here in Copenhagen. It's because of the supporters and everything we, as former players, have done that we are still remembered. That's wonderful. But it's unfortunate to see how disappointed they are with the club."

In recent years, Premier League clubs have faced constant criticism over rising ticket prices. Arsenal previously announced an average season ticket price increase of 3.9% for the 2026/27 season, marking the fifth consecutive year the club has raised season ticket prices.

Petit acknowledged that football is a business, but believes clubs cannot ignore supporters' feelings because of it.

"I understand that football is a business, and I understand that supporters are customers," he said. "But football is not an ordinary industry; it has special significance. Because of the supporters, clubs must take them seriously, protect them, and build something together with them."

"And now it seems like all of that is disappearing."

Переведено ИИ.

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