Alexander Hleb has said that he has nobody to blame for his Arsenal exit but himself. Hleb left the Emirates for FC Barcelona in 2008 and, despite the negative effect the move had on his career, the winger has said he does not regret things (via Sport English).
Alexander Hleb was a popular player during his time at Arsenal. An excellent dribbler with impressive technical ability, Hleb was an important part of the Gunners team during his three years at the club. So it was a shock when he made the move to FC Barcelona in 2008 and the 35-year-old has spoken about his decision and what led to the transfer.
“I had to move to Barcelona. They were the number one team in the world at that time and you just cannot refuse such offers. Otherwise, I would regret dropping a chance to play for the best club in the world. I think that this was the right choice.
“At Arsenal, I felt at home, really comfortable. But anyway I think moving to Spain was the right decision. When I was moving to Barca I had also an offer from Bayern and I was ready to go there. But there was a two-day pause and Barcelona were just more persistent.”
Hleb is still playing and at 35 years old, is currently at the Belarusian champions, Bate Borisov. The winger clearly felt it was the right decision for him to move to Spain but there is a tinge of regret about his choice to leave Arsenal.
“I had everything to develop and play regularly. Everything that happened is purely my fault. I took things too easily, my character prevented me from progressing. Instead of working hard I was too often grudging at the coach’s decisions.”
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Hleb also praised Arsene Wenger for the Frenchman’s effect on his career but there is certainly some regret in the winger’s words. It was a shame to see Alex Hleb leave the Emirates in 2008 but these quotes show that the club was right to sell the winger.
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