http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topi ... irected-atArsenal's recent form has done a lot to distract from the Nicklas Bendtner situation. At the beginning of the season he received a lot of criticism for being unfit and even though he was genuinely injured there were questions surrounding his attitude to getting himself fully fit and back out on the pitch. Much of that was fair especially after he'd shared his summer holidays with all his Twitter followers and posted photographs in which he looked anything but a professional sportsman.
Bendtner appeared to be oblivious to the situation surrounding him, clubs were pulling out of talks about signing the striker and his future was looking shakier by the day. Arsenal fans had lost patience with the player and much of his earlier arrogant claims about himself were brought back to mock him. The media in both England and Denmark criticised him repeatedly and he was painted, probably fairly, as someone throwing his talent away.
He feels much of it was unfair and has hit back in an interview with Berlingske in Denmark. He's said he managed to keep silent about the criticisms but can't any longer, although he insists that what is written doesn't bother him.
"Sometimes silence is the best weapon. I have intentionally not participated in interviews over the past six months. I have not told you what I feel.
"So much was written about me. Some of it is unfortunately true, but half of it is outright lies. But when people before the Italy match claimed that I suddenly couldn't play football anymore - when all of a sudden my personality and my talent is under attack, then it was too much. I read every day in the newspapers that I was lethargic during training and not even bothering to hit the target. We play on Saturday, and then you get to see, I thought.
"But it doesn't touch me. It can't. Even the smallest bone in my body wasn't moved when I read what you had written, and heard what you have said about me. And believe me, I've heard sooo much b*******.
"There were so many lies in the stories. And there are many journalists I will never talk to again. But I will not deny that it was a crazy time for me. There was so much in my life, and much of it was negative."
Bendtner insists he isn't bothered about what the press have said about him, that it's not hurt him, but the truth seems to be the opposite. He's clearly been upset by what the media say and the Danish outlet he spoke to says he thinks it's a witch hunt.
The striker isn't prepared to change to please people in Denmark or anywhere else and will continue to do what he pleases when he pleases, which isn't the best advert for clubs who may be interested in him. Jack Wilshere was recently involved in a media storm after he was caught smoking but Bendtner openly admits he likes to smoke cigars and will continue to do so.
"I cannot walk around and behave in a way so that all Danes are pleased. Well, I smoke cigars occasionally. If I feel like it, it's what I do. I do not care, many do not think that a footballer can afford to do it. Think about it: Back in time, all players smoked. There was not a problem. All of a sudden, some things changed and footballers should be these faceless role models. To this I say once and for all: Change I won't. I have to be ME. And if someone has a sore ass that I am red wine collector or drive expensive cars, then it's their problem. It can never be my problem. "
That's everyone told then.
Posted: Wed Sep 04, 2013 2:36 pm