Top Players who left Arsenal for Silverware

This certainly isn't one of the best time to be an Arsenal fan.Gunners fans all over the world were left fuming as Fabregas donned the Chelsea number 4 jersey. His dream of playing for his boyhood club Barcelona was well-known for years. And as the Spaniard was shipped off to Camp Nou in 2011, Arsenal fans had only respect and fond memories of him. But this time around as the Blues snared the World Cup and Euro winner for a bargain £30-million, all hell broke loose in North London.And to make things worse, just a day after Fabregas' move, free-agent Bacary Sagna penned his move to rivals and EPL champions Manchester City.The Gunners veteran, inspite of being 31 years old, was offered a three-year contract by the Citizens.After dominating England in the early 2000's, Arsenal hit a rough patch from 2005. Manager Arsene Wenger had taken the Gunners to new heights during the early years of his tenure. But post 2005, the Frenchman's methods failed to deliver silverware. 11 trophies from 1996-2005 and just a solitary FA Cup after that - the stats show it all.But an exodus of players leaving the club in search of trophies elsewhere, can also be cited as one of the reasons for Arsenal's fall from grace. Whenever Wenger put together a squad capable of challenging for titles, star players turned their back on the club. This list consists of players who have left Arsenal looking for silverware elsewhere since 2005 and what they managed to acheive since. (Note: The list only includes players who wanted to leave North London and join major clubs for trophies. It does not include players whom Arsenal decided to sell over lack of form, or who were not in their first team plans).

#1 Patrick Vieira - 2005

Patrick Vieira (1996-2005)

Joined: Juventus for €20 million on a five-year contract on 14 July 2005.

Age while leaving: 29 years

Reasons for Leaving: Captain of the 2003-04 Invincibles squad, Vieira was a hero amongst fans at Highbury. Under Arsene Wenger, Vieira had transformed from a fringe player at AC Milan to one of Europe's finest midfielders while at Arsenal. But the rise of a young Cesc Fabregas was looking to dent Vieira's plans. Fabregas had filled in Vieira's shoes at times when the Frenchman was injured and garnered praises for it. Wenger admitted that pairing Fabregas and Vieira at central midfield in a 4-4--2 formation did not work, and Gilberto Silva with Cesc seemed a better option. After flirting with Real Madrid in 2004, Vieira joined Italian giants Juventus in 2005. He captained the side to a trophy before signing off from Arsenal. He scored in the penalty shoot-out as he delivered Arsenal the 2005 FA Cup.

What Happened Then?: His move to Juventus turned out to be a disaster. A persistent groin injury that kept him sidelined and a reported training ground bust-up with Zlatan Ibrahimovic soured Vieira experience at the Turin club. And to make things worse, Juventus were stripped of their championships and relegated after being found guilty of match-fixing. Thus after just one season at Juve, Vieira left for Inter Milan in a 9.5 million Euro move. But haunted by injuries, Vieira failed to relive his Arsenal form, and fell down the pecking order at Inter. Jose Mourinho's arrival found Vieira unwanted at San Siro and he seeked a move away. In 2010 he returned to the Premier League, but chose to join cash-rich Manchester City. This move might have dampened Arsenal fans' respect for him, and a year later an injury-plagued Vieira hung up his footballing boots.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Inter Milan: Serie A (4), Supercoppa Italiana (2)

Manchester City: FA Cup (1)

#2 Ashley Cole - 2006

Ashley Cole (1998-2006)

Joined: Chelsea for £5 million, with William Gallas arriving in exchange

Age while Leaving: 25 years

Reasons for Leaving: The left-back seeked a better pay from Arsenal. But the Gunners refused to go higher than 55,000 Pounds-a-week. He held talks with Chelsea without informing Arsenal and moved to Stamford Bridge in 2006. The Blues offered him £90,000 a week, and it was enough to keep Cole's deep pockets filled.

What Happened Then? He went on to enjoy a superb career at Chelsea and delivered several trophies to the West London club, most notably the Champions League in 2012. Jose Mourinho's return as manager in 2013 found Cole surplus to his requirements with Azpilicueta’s meteoric rise. He lost his place in the starting line-up and was eventually released by the club this year.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Chelsea: EPL (1), FA Cup (4), League Cup (1), UEFA Champions League (1), Europa League (1)

#3 Thierry Henry - 2007

Thierry Henry (1999-2007)

Joined: Barcelona for £16.1 million in 2007.

Age While Leaving: 29 years

Reasons For Leaving: The Arsenal legend was in quest for an elusive Champions League title. He had contemplated leaving North London in 2006, but was assured by Wenger of leading a serious assault for the European title. Arsenal impressed in the Champions League and went on to reach the final, only to suffer a heartbreak in Paris against Barcelona. Sensing a chance of finally tasting European glory with Barca, Henry shifted to Camp Nou.

What Happened Then? Henry fulfilled his dream of winning the Champions League as Barcelona emerged winners in 2009. In 2010, he joined Major League Side New York Red Bulls and still plies his trade there.

There is no love lost for Henry amongst Arsenal fans. When the King decided to return to Arsenal for a loan spell in 2012, there were only cheers and chants for the Gunners legend.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Barcelona: La Liga (2), Copa del Rey (1), Supercopa de Espana (1), UEFA Champions League (1), UEFA Super Cup (1), FIFA Club World Cup (1)

New York Red Bulls: MLS Eastern Conference (2), MLS Supporters' Shield (1)

#4 Aleksander Hleb - 2008

Aleksander Hleb (2005-2008)

Joined: Barcelona in 2008 for £11.8 million.

Age While Leaving: 27 Years

Reasons for Leaving: He qouted his dislike for staying in London and dreams of more silverware as his main reasons for leaving Arsenal. After joining the Gunners in June 2005, Hleb had gone on to become a popular figure amongst fans. But lack of trophies under Arsene Wenger had the Belarusian winger seeking better opportunities.

What Happened Then? At Barcelona, Hleb was restricted to a sideshow. In his debut season at Barca he started just 5 games, as the Blaugrana went on to win the treble. Since his move, Hleb has many a time cited leaving Arsenal 'a big mistake'. Barca loaned him to Stutgart, Birmingham and then Wolfsburg, before being eventually shipped off to Russian club Krylia Sovetov Samara in 2012. He currently plays for Turkish club Konyaspor.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Barcelona: La Liga (1), Copa del Rey (1), UEFA Champions League (1)

Birmingham City: League Cup (1)

BATE Borisov: Belarusian Premier League (1)

#5 Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure - 2009

Emanuel Adebayor (2006-2009)

Joined: Manchester City for £25 million in 2009.

Age While Leaving: 25 Years

Reasons for Leaving: Adebayor had fallen out of favour amongst Arsenal fans even before he left due to his lacklustre performances. But the striker continued to sulk for a better pay package from Arsene Wenger. The Togo International drew the wrath of Arsenal fans as he joined Manchester City, after accusing Arsenal of lacking intent to win trophies.

What Happened Then? Roberto Mancini wasn't too impressed by his performances and loaned him to Real Madrid. He pleaded Real to sign him up, but Los Blancos weren't keen on giving him a permanent place in their side. After a succesful loan spell at Tottenham, he signed for them in 2012.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Real Madrid: Copa Del Rey (1)

Kolo Toure (2002-2009)

Joined: Manchester City on 28 July 2009, for £14 million

Age While Leaving: 28 Years

Reasons for Leaving: Kolo Toure demanded to leave the North London club after a reported bust-up with teammate and defensive partner Wiliam Gallas. He was pondering staying back at Arsenal when City snapped him up.

What Happened Then? He showed promise at City but then was banned for six months, for failing a drug test. He failed to make his mark at Eastlands, and was just a journeyman as City won the Premier League in 2012. He was then signed by Liverpool in 2013, but didn't play a major role in their failed quest for a Premier League title last season.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Manchester City: EPL (1), FA Cup (1), Community Shield (1)

#6 William Gallas - 2010

William Gallas (2006-2010)

Joined: North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 22 August 2010 as a free agent.

Age While Leaving: 33 Years

Reasons for leaving: His talks over a new and improved contract had reached a standstill. The veteran Frenchman had demanded an £80,000-a-week two-year contract that was termed absurd by manager Arsene Wenger. The Gunners skipper then not only went on to join arch-rivals Spurs, but also commented that Tottenham can win the Premier League. Even Spurs manager Harry Redknapp didn't seem to buy it, and termed his leaving Arsenal for Spurs a 'no-brainer'.

What Happened Then: Due to injuries to regular captains Ledley King and Michael Dawson, Gallas was handed the captaincy. Gallas captained the Spurs for the first time against his former employers Arsenal in November 2010. Spurs went on to beat their city rivals 3-2, their first win against the Gunners since 1993. That has been the only positive in Gallas' post-Arsenal career. Injury problems led to Tottenham releasing him in 2013. He currently plays for Australian club Perth Glory.

Titles after leaving Arsenal: Didn't win any.

#7 Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy - 2011

Samir Nasri (2008-2011)

Joined: Manchester City for £25 million on 24 August 2011.

Age While Leaving: 24 Years

Reasons for Leaving: Nasri left Arsenal for cash-rich Manchester City in search of trophies, and some wads of cash thrown in along the way also didn't hurt much. Nasri has taunted Arsenal in several interviews over their lack of desire to win trophies. Gunners fans have dubbed him a mercenary and boo him whenever he returns to the Emirates Stadium.

What Happened Then: Nasri has won trophies in City colours, and quite a few of those. In his debut season at the Etihad, he clinched the Premier League title. But the Frenchman was initially unhappy over his lack of first team opportunities at Eastlands. His ego and attitude also led to him being excluded form France's squad for the 2014 World Cup.

Gael Clichy (2003-2011)

Joined: Manchester City for £7 million in 2011.

Age While Leaving: 25 Years

Reasons for Leaving: In his early interviews post-Arsenal, Clichy thanked Wenger for developing his career. But later he went on to claim that he was sick of losing every year while at Arsenal and wanted trophies at any cost. He was also labelled a mercenary along with fellow departee and now club-mate Samir Nasri.

What Happened Then: The defender fared well in Manchester City. He went on to establish himself as first-choice left-back, and was instrumental in the Citizens first English Premier League triumph in 2012.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Manchester City: EPL (2), FA Community Shield (1), League Cup (1)

#8 Cesc Fabregas - 2011

Cesc Fabregas (2003-2011)

Joined: Boyhood club Barcelona on 15 August 2011 for a reported €29 million.

Age while leaving: 24 Years

Reasons for leaving: Fabregas was always eager to return to his boyhood club Barcelona. Fabregas was a part of Barcelona famed youth academy La Masia, along with Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi. But the Spaniard, trained as a defensive midfielder, failed to make it into the first team. His desire to play for the Blaugrana, along with desire to win trophies led to his move.

What Happened Then: He had a memorable debut season at Barcelona. The playmaker netted 15 goals and assisted 20 as Barca won the UEFA Super Cup, Supercopa De Espnana and FIFA Club World Cup in 2011-12. Next season he was instrumental in taking the La Liga title back from Real Madrid. But a reduction in first team opportunities led to Cesc demanding a move away from Nou Camp. He recently joined Chelsea for a reported 30 million Pounds, even though he'd claimed in 2011 that he would never play for any English club other than Arsenal.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Barcelona: La Liga (1), Copa del Rey (1), Supercopa de Espana (2), UEFA Super Cup (1), FIFA Club World Cup (1).

#9 Robin van Persie - 2012

Robin van Persie (2004-2012)

Joined: Arch-rivals Manchester United on 17 August 2012 for a reported £22.5 million.

Age While Leaving: 29 Years

Reasons For Leaving: "From my side, and Arsenal as well, there are no hard feelings. There were certain elements which were vital to me that we had a different view. That is life. Nobody is angry at me and I'm not angry at them." These were the words of RVP after leaving Arsenal. The Dutchman was not too happy with Arsenal's trophy draught, and letting go of important players over the years. The club skipper considered United for their rich history and also his chances of finally winning that elusive EPL crown.

What Happened Then: Van Persie was crucial for United as the Red Devils won the EPL title in 2013. The Dutch striker netted 30 goals in his debut season at Old Trafford, as he finally won his first EPL title.

Titles after leaving Arsenal:

Manchester United: EPL (1), Community Shield (1)