Wenger slams Xavi for 'disrespect'

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was not amused by Xavi's comments about Cesc Fabregas that were reported on Barcelona's website.

By Kelvin Tan in Kuala Lumpur

Speaking to the press after the Gunners' 4-0 victory over a Malaysian XI during their Asia Tour, the Frenchman criticised the Catalan captain for disrespecting Arsenal with his comments.

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Xavi, according to reports in Reutes, had said: "I spoke to Cesc in Ibiza and he told me he was suffering because he wants to come

"That's what he most desires," the Spanish World Cup winner added. "He has done everything to come and he wants Arsenal to let him leave."

When asked about this latest development, the Arsenal manager was not pleased, and replied curtly: "I cannot comment on every comment [involving Fabregas]."

He added: "What is important is Cesc has a contract with Arsenal, and we want to keep him."

Wenger did not mince words about his feelings towards Barcelona's repeated comments about his club captain.

"A mutual respect should stand between the two clubs", the manager said.

"Xavi has been very disrespectful to Arsenal Football Club."
Most recently in Kuala Lumpur, the Frenchman said: "I think Cesc has always been torn between his love for Arsenal - that I feel is really genuine - and something you can understand, the desire to play for the biggest team at the moment in the world".
"But you can only be in if you are completely in," the Frenchman added. "He is the leader of the team. He has to be completely focused and convinced that he wants to stay."
The question is - is Fabregas convinced, or is his heart set on a move back to Spain this summer?