Bacary Sagna joins Manchester City: Premier League champions confirm free transfer of Arsenal defender Sagna

Sagna was out of contract with Arsenal and will join up with his new club when he returns from the World Cup

Bacary Sagna (Getty Images)

Manchester City have confirmed the signing of defender Bacary Sagna on free transfer.

Sagna will join up with the reigning Premier League champions following his duty with France at the World Cup this summer, and has agreed a three-year deal with the Citizens after running down his contract with the Gunners.

Announcing the news on their club website, City said: “Manchester City are delighted to announce that Bacary Sagna will join the club for next season.”

Sagna sends heartfelt farewell to Arsenal fans

The 31-year-old joined Arsenal back in 2007, and made 284 appearances for the north London side scoring five goals along the way. Having finally ended his wait for a first trophy with Arsenal in last month’s FA Cup final victory over Hull, the club hoped that they could strike a late agreement with Sagna that would see him remain at the Emirates, but it wasn’t to be.

Sagna is a part of Laurent Blanc’s France side that will look to come through relatively easy ties against Honduras, Switzerland and Ecuador in Group E in Brazil, which will go a long way to banish the memories of France’s dismal 2010 effort.

Upon their completion in South America, Sagna will head to his new club, where he will wear the number three shirt – just like he did at Arsenal – and compete with Pablo Zabaleta for the starting right-back spot.

For Arsenal fans, the frustration at losing another first-team player to City continues following their moves for Kolo Toure, Emmanual Adebayor, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy in recent years.

Despite leaving the club on a free transfer, Arsenal said farewell to their former defender with an appreciative statement issued on their website www.arsenal.com.

It read: “Bacary Sagna has agreed to join Manchester City after his contract with Arsenal expires on June 30.

“An integral part of Arsenal's defence over the past seven seasons, the France international brought his time with the Gunners to a fitting close last month when he helped the team win the FA Cup in his final match.

“Everyone at Arsenal Football Club would like to thank Bacary for his fantastic contribution, and wish him all the best for the future.”