Former Man City and Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna joins Serie A strugglers Benevento

London, February 4: Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna has signed for bottom-placed Serie A club Benevento for the rest of the season, with an option to extend the deal by a year.

The right-back last piled his trade at Manchester City and was released from the Etihad side after his contract ended last year.

Meanwhile, Bacary Sagna has signed for Serie A side Benevento, stating that, "In an era when football is more of a business than a sport, they represent what a club should be about." pic.twitter.com/TjDYlxtlyn

— ArsenalFanTV (@ArsenalFanTV) February 3, 2018

The veteran fullback, who is an experienced star of the game, was one time regarded as one of the top defenders in the world. However, since his release from the Manchester giant in the summer, he failed to secure a club deal.

Earlier, it was reported that the French international was ready for a move to Marseille in the summer window but it did not materialise.

But now, the relegation-threatened side, who have collected just seven points from their first 22 games, decided to give the veteran a chance and signed him on a free transfer.

Bienvenue Bacary 🇫🇷💪🏼#BienvenueBacary #ForzaStrega 🧙🏻‍♀️ @Sagnaofficial pic.twitter.com/A5cZQhXdLX

— Benevento Calcio (@bncalcio) February 3, 2018

A statement on the club's website read: "This morning, at the Caravaggio Sporting Village in Naples, an agreement was reached between Benevento Calcio and Bacary Sagna.

"In the presence of president Oreste Vigorito, the French defender from Senegal signed a contract with the Giallorossi until June 30.

"The deal includes the option for the extension until June 30, 2019.

"Bacary Sagna will be available to coach Roberto De Zerbi from next week."

The 34-year-old made more than 260 appearances in the Premier League for City and Arsenal and this will be his first experience in Italy.

The bottom-placed Serie A side has set a record for the worst start to a single campaign in the top five European leagues this term after they lost their first 14 games.

The Naples-based side won their first point of the season against AC Milan when their goalkeeper Alberto Brignoli scored a last-gasp equaliser.