Laurent Koscielny says he ‘showed Arsenal respect on the pitch’ after storm over his ‘shameful’ Bordeaux unveiling

LAURENT KOSCIELNY has fired back at critics over his Bordeaux announcement video — by insisting he showed Arsenal respect on the pitch.

Gunners legend Ian Wright was incensed after Koscielny pulled off an Arsenal shirt and tossed it away to reveal his club's new jersey.

Centre-back Koscielny defended his actions by claiming he played with esteem at the Emirates in his nine years at the club.

The 33-year-old : "It is not up to me to speak about it. I am focused on the match on Saturday.

"I don't need to speak. I have huge respect from Arsenal, I showed this respect on the pitch."

Former skipper Koscielny angered the north London club after refusing to join the rest of the squad for their pre-season tour of America.

Club legends were left infuriated by Koscielny's parting shot.

Former striker Wright wrote on Twitter: "This hurts. The level of disrespect.

"You should be ashamed for the way you've left the club after 9 years! Got what you wanted and still trying to have a dig.

"Hope it's worth it in the long run."

And former team-mate Lee Dixon said the Frenchman should have recognised the video was a bad idea.

Koscielny also spoke about his reason for wanting to join the Ligue 1 club.

He added: “I want to bring my experience, help this young group of players to build consistency... I think this was the right choice, we want to be in the top half of the league.”