Hleb hints at move but praises Wenger

Last Modified: 09 Jul 2008
Source: ITN

Alexander Hleb has admitted he may leave Arsenal this summer but praised Arsene Wenger.

Hleb has been linked with Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich and he made it clear he has been offered a pay rise to leave.

He said: "In life, everything changes. I believe that there are ten top clubs in world football, and when a couple of clubs are interested in you and offer better terms, I believe that others would have done exactly the same.

"But Arsenal is dear to me, I am grateful to Wenger for everything he has done for me.

"As an Arsenal player, I can say that there is no better club in the Premier League."

Hleb revealed Wenger has played an important role in his career since he moved to London in 2005.

He added: "I am very grateful to Arsene Wenger. He is the best coach of my career. And not just a coach. He is a very good man and intuitive psychologist. I very much appreciate his support.

"I talked to him twice before the end of the season. It is also not that easy for me to leave this club, because it has become my home. I think Wenger is upset, though it is better to ask him, maybe he is glad."

Some reports have claimed Hleb criticised his team-mate Cesc Fabregas, but has clarified his thoughts about the Spaniard's fondness for shooting.

He said: "Cesc and I understand each other very well on the field. And it is very, very pleasurable for me to play with him.

"He's a very pleasant guy both in life and as a footballer. He is just more egotistic in goalscoring opportunities, if he had a chance to score, he always used it, unlike me."

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