Lacazette reveals shock at facilities in England as ex-Arsenal ace explains why France has so many good youngsters
ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE admits he was left shocked by the lack of facilities for young footballers in England.
And he believes it’s why the French are further ahead when it comes to developing prodigal talents.
Lacazette, 31, spent five years playing in London for Arsenal.
The striker scored 71 goals in 206 games under Arsene Wenger, Unai Emery and Mikel Arteta.
And he is now back with Lyon after leaving them for the Emirates in 2017.
But Lacazette has revealed he was stunned at how youngsters in England were made to pay to use football pitches.
He claims that in France, promising kids have the use of free facilities to develop their burgeoning talents.
And he was shocked at how different things were in London, which may also explain why France have so many top youngsters coming through the ranks.
Lacazette told Telefoot: “One thing that surprised me in London: there is no ground where you can play football for free.”
Lacazette also hit back at critics who claimed he was “finished”, with the 16-time France international banging in 24 goals this season.
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He added: “Many people thought I was finished.
“They were saying that I wouldn’t succeed, that the club was making a mistake.
“I wanted to show that Lyon were right in calling on me.”