“I was due to sign for Middlesbrough. I reached an agreement with them, but during my medical they invented a shoulder problem that I’d never had.
“After that, everyone asked me if I was injured. They wrote in the media that I had failed my medical, so clubs were always a bit wary about me.”
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Middlesbrough have been approached for comment.
Sanogo scored just one goal in 20 Arsenal games, but is still remembered for being an impact sub at Wembley in 2014.
He told So Foot magazine: “My best memory is the FA Cup final. I was decisive when I came on, and the players sang my song in the dressing-room afterwards.
“We were losing, I came on as we went with two up front, and I made an impact. I was young, and it is something I will never forget.
“I returned to the Emirates Stadium for a game last year, and people came up to thank me for that final.
“I come from Les Ulis in Paris, the same as Thierry Henry and Patrice Evra. It is an honour for us to see how far we have come in our careers.
“I now want to pass on the benefit of my experience to the team I play for.
“I had a bit of an iffy spell during the two years after I had a serious shin injury. The surgeon told me it would be virtually impossible for me to resume my playing career.
“I asked myself what I could do instead. I was just 17, and in the depths of despair.
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“It crossed my mind to become a postman. But there was a five per cent chance I could play again, and even though it was minimal it was still a chance for me.
“I had to wait for two years – but I made my return to football.”