Andrey Arshavin: No one dares question Arsene Wenger

Posted Thursday, November 10, 2011 by The Sun

ANDREY ARSHAVIN has launched a stinging attack on Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

The Russian forward accused Wenger of being unwilling to take advice from anyone else at the club.

Arshavin, the Gunners' record £15million buy, said: "When you have a mundane, domestic problem, he's always very supportive.

"But when it comes to Arsenal, no one would dare approach him with questions about football or suggestions to change something round.

"Everyone knows what the answer would be."

Arshavin was never afraid to voice an opinion at his former club, Zenit St Petersburg.

But he insists he would NEVER argue with Emirates chief Wenger.

He added: "We've never had the 'big talk', although I have voiced my opinion a couple of times.

"He smiled in an understanding way but he has his own ideas."

Russia captain Arshavin has been a regular on the Gunners bench, starting just TWO of their 19 games this season.

He has either been replaced or brought on in 13 matches and also been an unused substitute on three occasions.

His only full outings so far have been in the 8-2 hammering at Manchester United and Arsenal's 2-1 Carling Cup fourth-round home win over Bolton, where he scored their second-half equaliser.

And the 30-year-old has revealed his frustration at becoming a peripheral figure.

He said: "It is better to play all the time like I did at Zenit rather than sit on the bench.

"I still want to play. If you are a footballer you want to be on the pitch — whether you are 18 or 35.

"Sometimes I go out on the field and know, however well I've played, I will be replaced after 70 minutes.

"And sometimes you sit on the bench in full confidence you will be brought on in the 65th minute."

Arshavin arrived from Zenit in February 2009 and bagged all of Arsenal's goals in the thrilling 4-4 draw at Liverpool in April that year.

But he has scored just twice this season and created only one goal for the team.

Wenger has preferred England star Theo Walcott and Ivory Coast ace Gervinho on the flanks this season.

And fed-up Arshavin does not see a way of forcing his way into the middle of the park either, with Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song occupying those slots for the Gunners.

Prior to this season, Arshavin was usually a first-choice selection.

In the 2009-10 campaign, he started 25 games and was a substitute in five other matches.

And, last term, he again started 25 games, while making 12 appearances from the bench.

Arshavin groaned: "At the moment, Wenger has more faith in Walcott and Gervinho.

"Before this season, I wasn't used as a reserve."

Arshavin's contract expires in June 2013 and he has been linked with a move back to his homeland, with Zenit and big-spending Anzhi Makhachkala keen on signing him.

But although he admits money will play a part in his decision, he insists he will NOT attempt to force a move in January.

He added: "If my situation does not change, I may look at it — but not right now. But it is clear the salary is important."

And when asked if he preferred life in Russia to what he has experienced in London, he said: "After three years, meeting with different people I came to the conclusion that it all depends on what you have here and what you have there.

"I met a man in Miami who said there is no difference where you live — it is important how much money is on your credit card.

"I think this is correct — if you have enough money, you can provide for your family anywhere in the world."