HANGZHOU (China): Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger on Thursday demanded Barcelona players stop making public comments about Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas wanting to leave for the Nou Camp.
The Frenchman was speaking after Barcelona midfielder Xavi took to the Spanish giants’ website to say Fabregas was unhappy and wanted to return to the club he supported as a boy.
“It has to stop of course,” Wenger said at a news conference ahead of a pre-season friendly in China.
Fabregas, 24, has stayed behind in London as he recovers from a muscle strain.
“If there’s a transfer negotiation between two clubs, I don’t think it’s healthy that some other players are involved who are not concerned by it.
“Unless he has an official job to do for Barcelona … I don’t see why he can go on the website and make this kind of statement,” Wenger said.
Wenger and his squad were welcomed by a sea of red jerseys as hundreds of fans turned out to greet them as they began the club’s first visit to China in 16 years on Thursday.
They take on Hangzhou Greentown in Yiwu, a city 300 kilometres (180 miles) south of Shanghai, on Saturday, in the second leg of an Asian tour that began with a 4-0 win over a Malaysia XI on Wednesday.
The Gunners are in Asia to expand the club’s brand and fan base in the lucrative market. (Agencies)
