Arsenal’s Hleb refutes rant at team-mate and manager
Arsenal midfielder Alexander Hleb last night attempted to build bridges with the club by denying reports he had launched a verbal attack on his manager and team-mates.
Hleb, whose expected move to Barcelona has failed to materialise, was yesterday claimed to have criticised midfielder Cesc Fabregas and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger.
The Belarus international moved swiftly to insist that the quotes attributed to him were false, although Hleb failed to expand on his uncertain future. “I am shocked by some media reports,” the 27-year-old said in a statement on his official website. “In some newspapers it was mentioned that I have attacked Arsene Wenger and Cesc Fabregas.
“But let me tell you: This is not true! The statements in the papers are definitely not my statements. I would never ever say something disrespectful about them. And there is a simple reason for this: Cesc is a very good friend of mine and Arsene is one of the persons I respect most.”
Hleb was reported to have complained that Wenger played him on the flanks, rather than his preferred role through the middle, and was quoted as calling Fabregas “selfish” in his play. The former Stuttgart player has refused to clarify whether he intends to stay at Arsenal next season, amid rumoured interest from Inter Milan, Real Madrid and, most recently, Barcelona.
Inter’s interest appears to have cooled since Jose Mourinho replaced Roberto Mancini as manager, while Real are focused on prising Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
Barcelona, who also want Gunners striker Emmanuel Adebayor, remain the most likely destination, should Hleb leave this summer.
But Arsenal have reportedly demanded £18m in an attempt to dissuade the Catalan club.