Arsenal FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Wenger warning over respect

22 Jul 2008 - 08:37:25

Click To Enlarge

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has lent his support to Manchester United after warning leading clubs that they are in danger of ruining football with their lack of respect.

Wenger has cited the example of Real Madrid's public pursuit of under contract United star Cristiano Ronaldo this summer as the perfect example of behaviour that threatens to undermine the game's popularity.

The Frenchman has also spoken out after seeing one of his own players targeted by another club in a series of public statements.

AC Milan have been linked with a move for Emmanuel Adebayor throughout the summer after revealing their desire to sign the Togo striker.

"If you don't show respect to other clubs I think that football is moving in the wrong way," Wenger told the official Arsenal magazine.

"You cannot come out like (president Ramon) Calderon has done at Real Madrid with Manchester United and tell them you cannot stop a player from leaving.

"You can destabilise any player in the world - that is irresponsible.

"These are big clubs that should be setting an example to others.

"I believe that football now is at the stage where it has become a world sport and the big clubs should have values and vision and set an example.

"If we do not do that in football, then we do not understand the responsibilities that we have."