Emmanuel Petit has voiced his disappointment over the growing disconnect between Arsenal and its supporters.
The Frenchman appeared on talkSPORT's White and Jordan to discuss all things Gunners, where he enjoyed a trophy-laden three-year stint between 1997 and 2000.
Petit became a club icon in north London as his all-action midfield displays helped deliver Premier League and FA Cup glory.
While the 56-year-old also enjoyed huge success at first club Monaco, as well as stints at Barcelona and London rivals Chelsea, he remains a popular figure at Arsenal.
However, the former midfielder believes his old team may be losing touch with their fanbase.
Premier League clubs have come in for increased criticism in recent years over rising ticket prices, with Arsenal no exception.
Ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, the Gunners announced a 3.9 per cent average increase on season tickets - the fifth year in a row that the Premier League champions have increased their prices.
And Petit admitted he has become aware of this himself after a recent interaction with an Arsenal supporters' group, as he bemoaned the transactional relationship between club and fans.
Petit: Times have changed at Arsenal
Appearing on talkSPORT, Petit shared his experience visiting the Arsenal Fans Association in Denmark, where he joined up with former teammate and fellow icon Freddie Ljungberg to greet supporters.
But the 1998 World Cup winner revealed fans were growing disillusioned with the club, before admitting there is a similar feeling among their former players.
Petit said: “They are saying the same thing - that they are not fans anymore, they are customers. And the relationship they had before with Arsenal, it's not the same anymore.
“I said, 'Don't be surprised, because as former players, it's kind of the same with us'.
Explaining why he feels a lack of connection with Arsenal, Petit explained that the club have never approached him over an ambassadorial role, but insisted he will never ask for opportunities.
He continued: "There are a few exceptions, with former Arsenal players that link with Arsenal and they do events around the world.
“I'm not asking Arsenal to call me tomorrow for that. But I've never received anything. They never asked me to do anything for them.
“Every time I represent Arsenal, it's because of the company [his talent agency], but nothing from the club.
"So it was a pity for me to hear that, because the fans are so important. They regard themselves as customers."
Sharing his disappointment over the fans' disillusionment, Petit said he was 'embarrassed' by Arsenal for keeping them at arm's length.
The Frenchman said: “For me, they are the most important pieces in the football industry. If there are no fans, no customers, no money at all, they are buying for everything.
“And that's what I said to them. I'm very happy and honoured to be in Copenhagen because of you, because of what you're doing with us, former players, we still live through your memories. And it's amazing.
“But the fact that they were so disappointed with the club, I felt embarrassed."
Urging Arsenal to do better, he added: “I understand it's a business. I understand there are customers. But I think at the end, this is not a common industry. Football matters.
“It’s different than a normal company because of the fans. So you have to take care of your fans. You have to protect them. You have to build something alongside the fans.
“And this is not happening anymore.”