The French international was a relative unknown at this point in his career, but before long had struck up one of the finest midfield partnership's England has ever seen with Patrick Vieira.

His first full season at the club saw the midfielder win the Championship with Arsenal, but the pony tailed-one was always openly unhappy with both English fans and the tabloid press.

It always seemed inevitable that the World and European Cup winner would eventually move back to the content and he got his wish in the summer of 2000 when Barcelona came in with a double swoop for him and Marc Overmars. Petit was valued at £5million.

But Petit's time in the Primera Liga was very disappointing. He struggled to force his way into the team - and when he did get picked was always played out of position in defence.

Just a year later Petit, who began his career with ES Argues, was pining for the Premiership which had brought him so much success. In the end it was Chelsea who lured him back to these shores - although at one late stage it appeared Manchester United had highjacked the move.

Petit can also boast being France's Young Player of the Year in 1990, as well as lifting the French Cup in 1991 and winning the French championship with Monaco in 1997 just prior to leaving his homeland for Highbury.

Petit's valued soared to £7.5million when he left Barcelona for Chelsea despite the player being unable to get into the Catalan side.

Made his Chelsea debut in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, but his debut season was at time hit by injury and he failed to rediscover the form that made him a star at Highbury.

Played 38 games that season, scoring a late winning goal against Derby County.