Anthony Martial is told to ask himself if he still has the ‘desire’ to keep playing by Arsenal legend – as former Man United striker remains without a club after summer exit

A former Arsenal ace has questioned ex-Manchester United forward Anthony Martial’s desire to be a professional footballer, as he remains a free agent after failing to find a new club this summer.

Martial was released by Man United when his contract came to an end at the conclusion of last season.

The 28-year-old remains a free agent, but has been linked with several during the summer transfer window.

But a legendary Arsenal midfielder has said the Frenchman is largely in a situation of his own making, saying he can’t remember the last time he showed the talent or commitment necessary for a club to sign him.

Emmanuel Petit said on talkSPORT: ‘I can’t remember the last time he was a proper footballer on the pitch, producing good performances. 

Emmanuel Petit (pictured) has asked whether Martial wants to be a professional footballer

‘Maybe he should ask himself this question, does he have the desire to keep on going with his career? Because I have the feeling that the last few years was very difficult for him on and off the pitch. 

‘It’s quite difficult to get a good mind coming in every morning at the training ground and try to give your best all the time because you have a problem in your life, you have a problem in the dressing room, you have problems everywhere. 

So, if I was Anthony Martial, I would ask myself the question in the mirror. Do I still want to be a professional footballer?’

It was reported that Martial was passed over by Brazilian side Flamengo, who refused to sign the player based on his demands. 

The 28-year-old wanted a three-year deal and a salary that Flamengo were unwilling to consider.

The two parties were too far apart for there to be any hope of successful negotiations. 

AEK Athens also made an approach for Martial in recent weeks.

They were are reported to have offered Martial the biggest contract in the club’s history in a bid to convince him to sign.

Man United signed Martial, then one of the most promising young players in world football, from Monaco in 2015 for a fee which could have reached £58million with add-ons.

He scored 17 times during his debut campaign but proved frustratingly inconsistent towards the end of his Old Trafford career with a diminishing goal return and increasing injury troubles.

Flamengo, managed by former brazil boss Tite, have turned down the chance to sign Martia

His best return in United colours came when he netted 23 times in 2019-20 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but struggled to replicate that form. In all he scored 90 times in 317 games.

Martial has also been linked to Atalanta and Lille.