Sport

Hleb not a big city boy
by Alex Livie, 14 May 2008

Hleb: Likes quiet life

Arsenal star Alexander Hleb claims he has grown frustrated with life in London.

The Belarus midfielder is a key figure for Arsenal, but his future is shrouded in doubt following links with Inter.

Arsene Wenger is furious with Inter for their courting of Hleb and has made it clear he wants to retain the services of the midfielder, but it would appear as if the 27-year-old is preparing for a move.

”I’m not a big city man,” Hleb told The Sun. “I need my retreat, that’s why I’m often in Germany.

”Stuttgart is my second home, my friends are there and it is where I feel most comfortable.”

Hleb’s comments are unlikely to sit well with Gunners fans, given Arsenal train in the rural surrounds of London Colney and Inter’s home is the bustling Italian city of Milan.

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Comments

Browny - 14 May 2008 12:50: I agree with manas India that Hleb is not as effective as Pires was. Although I like watching him he is pretty on the ball but not hugely effective in the last third with both goals or assists, something that Pires was very good at. Pires was the kind of player that made a critical difference in the season in winning points in tight games & had we had Pires in his prime this season we would have probably made up the 4-5 points required to secure the tital. We need another player like him & if Hleb goes it may represent an oppurtunity to bring in someone like Ben-Arfa who seems to be more direct with an eye for goal & could offer something of what Pires did. I disagree with Walcott though as Hleb is I think 26 & would have developed this part of his game if he was ever going to. Walcott will provide more of an end product over the next 3 years & I think will become a bigger influence next year, winning crucial points in the tital race.; Report this to a moderator

PEPSI - 14 May 2008 12:21: The name says it all, get rid of him hes rubbish anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!; Report this to a moderator

manas, India - 14 May 2008 11:16: Helb is not as effective as Pires or Lumberg was. He is a very good dribbler but can not score even if empty goal is there instead he will pass it to someone else. Arsenal can never win trophies with players like Helb, Eboue, Walcott or Adebayor. These players make hardly any impact. For winning trophies you need players like Henry, Vieira, Sol Campbel, Cole etc. Bring 2-3 quality footballers.; Report this to a moderator

Browny - 14 May 2008 10:38: Yes I do blame the agent, but Hleb is hardly falling over himself to deny this and I am sure if he was firmly against it he could sack his agent with the backing of the courts for misrepresentation of his clients interests. I am sorry but it slightly naive to think this is all about the agent. Hleb has undoubtedly sanctioned this, as modern footballers think the best way to get what they want is by creating negativity with underhand tactics rather than show the club and fans some respect and talk to the manager first so that his sale and replacement can be done in a dignified manner. Both the agent and Hleb have shown a distinct lack of class and represent all that is wrong with the modern footballer.; Report this to a moderator

nicky - 14 May 2008 09:26: Don't blame Hleb or Milan for this mess. Blame Hleb's agent. Like an unwelcome disease they spread throughout professional soccer, the prognosis being " the more moves my man makes, the more money I make"...GET RID OF ALL AGENTS.....; Report this to a moderator

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Hleb not a big city boy
by Alex Livie, 14 May 2008

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Hleb not a big city boyby Alex Livie, 14 May 2008

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Hleb not a big city boy
by Alex Livie, 14 May 2008