Chamakh: I ache after every match
Marouane Chamakh admits playing in the Premier League is proving a real physical struggle for him compared to his time in the French league.
The former Bordeaux striker joined Arsenal on a free transfer this summer and has found himself becoming first choice immediately due to injuries.
Chamakh has adapted well in terms of his performances, with ten goals already this season, but the Moroccan says he aches after every game due to the physical nature of the English game.
The 26-year-old also finds the standards of refereeing to be very different here, with rough challenges often going unpunished, much to his surprise.
He said: "I was never been in such a state at Bordeaux. Things take on a new dimension here. Against West Ham I was in incredible pain with my neck.
"It was impossible to turn my head. Every ball that's contested here I get ploughed into - and the referee doesn't blow for it.
"When people pushed me in France, I fell down and got a free kick. When there's a hard tackle here, I have to get up and play.
"After a Premier League match, I walk off with my body aching, with scratch marks, stiff muscles. Three days later, we go again."
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When people pushed me in France, I fell down and got a free kick. When there's a hard tackle here, I have to get up and play.
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