Following Robin van Persie's transfer to Manchester United in August 2012, he was named club captain but found first team opportunities limited due to the success of Arsenal's new first-choice defensive partnership of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny. In August 2014, he completed a £15 million transfer to Barcelona in La Liga. In 2019, he joined Vissel Kobe before retiring in 2021.
Following Robin van Persie's transfer to Manchester United in August 2012, he became captain but faced limited playing time due to Arsenal's strong defensive partnership of Mertesacker and Koscielny. He then moved to Barcelona for £15 million in 2014. In 2019, he joined Vissel Kobe before retiring in 2021.