By Jonathan Chong on Saturday, July 26, 2008

Departed winger Alexander Hleb has praised Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger for the role he played in his development as a footballer.

The Belarus international was speaking about his former manager when asked on Wenger's role in Arsenal's continued push for domestic success.

Hleb said: "Arsène Wenger, for me, is like a father.

"He gave me a lot and I learned a lot from him and I need to say thank you to him for the fact that I now play in Barcelona.

"If Arsène Wenger stays at Arsenal, they will always play at the top. I think he is everything for Arsenal."

In recent days, Hleb has also attempted to repair the damage done by the press in distorted comments about then team mate Francesc Fabregas.

Hleb reportedly branded the Spanish international selfish, saying that he would always choose to shoot at goal rather than play another pass, a comment that was branded ironic by Arsenal fans [Hleb was never known for his goal-scoring].

Clarifying his comment, Hleb says: "I never said anything bad about Arsène or Fabregas.

"This was just an English newspaper saying this. For me, Fabregas is my best friend and I had a good understanding with him on the pitch."

User Comments

4

simon_84

Posted on 28 Jul, 2008 at 02:34 AM - Reply

move on dude.what's done cannot be undone.

3

james kaitaba

Posted on 26 Jul, 2008 at 01:27 PM - Reply

Helb is a gentleman,
i believe him more than the english press.
he did great to acknowledge wengers contribution to his dev;t as a footballer.

2

kibelekenya

Posted on 26 Jul, 2008 at 01:14 PM - Reply

Arsenal will this season scoope every title no matter the exodus i actually have confidence with the team left and those who joined us arsenal oooyie arsenal for kenyans fans.... forever arsenal. Wenger you are the manager to watch this season go for it and do not let Adebayor go pliz keep him and he will do us best good luck

1

Goonerbeall

Posted on 26 Jul, 2008 at 12:47 PM - Reply

Well, that is a strange treatment of a father. Maybe things work differently in Bierorussia however, as far as I am concerned, Hleb, you have offended me as a gooner and we all know the consequences of that.

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