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'A better person, a better man' - Arsenal's Koscienly says injury made him stronger

The centre-back made his return to action for the Gunners against Qarabag in the Europa League on Thursday following a six month absence

Arsenal's club captain Laurent Koscielny claims he is "a better person" and mentally stronger after coming back from a six-month injury lay-off.

The defender ruptured his Achilles tendon during last season's Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid in May, causing him to miss France's 2018 Wolrd Cup win in Russia.

Koscielny admitted he struggled to come to terms with missing out on the tournament, and even rooted against France at times.

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The 33-year-old finally returned to the pitch on Thursday, starting Arsenal's Europa League win over Qarabag at centre-back, and said his "season starts now" when speaking to reporters after the game.