Football: Arsenal boss pans “disrespectful” Xavi

Barcelona have again been linked with a move for Fabregas this close-season but Wenger was adamant not to lose him.

KUALA LUMPUR: Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Barcelona midfielder Xavi for claiming Cesc Fabregas is “suffering” at the Premier League club.

Arsenal rejected bids from Barcelona for the Spanish international last year and the European champions have again been linked with a move for Fabregas this close-season but Wenger was adamant that he would not lose his captain. “I believe a mutual respect between the clubs should stop this kind of comment,” said Wenger. “It is disrespectful and it is not the first time that Xavi has been disrespectful to Arsenal Football Club.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 15^th, 2011.