Arsenal release Abou Diaby

Arsenal have announced the departure of French midfielder Abou Diaby following the expiry of his contract.

The French international was deemed to have the potential to be the next Patrick Vieira.

However, he has suffered a series of injuries, and has rarely featured for the club in recent seasons.

The Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has finally given up on the midfielder's recovery and allowed him to move on following the end of his contract.

Alongside Diaby, Japanese midfielder Ryo Miyaichi has also ended his five-year association with the club.