• Premier League

Arsenal striker Bendtner explains arrest

ESPN staff
November 26, 2013
Nicklas Bendtner was allegedly questioned by police © Getty Images
Enlarge

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has explained his arrest and reported caution for criminal damage, stating he was trying to go for a night swim with his family and friends.

On Tuesday, the Daily Mirror alleged Bendtner was questioned by police after "doors to a gym were kicked in and a window smashed at his apartment block in Bushey, Herts."

A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire police was quoted by the Daily Mirror as saying: "A 25-year-old man from Bushey has been cautioned for criminal damage. He was released and is no longer in custody."

Week in Pictures

"Take that Rafa!" © Getty Images

However, Bendtner took to his official Instagram account to give his account of what happened.

"On Saturday night after our win against Southampton I went out with my family and friends for dinner. After our dinner we all wanted a night swim in my gym so we changed to shorts and brought towels down," Bendtner explained.

"As we arrived at the gym my key fob changed the colour from red [locked] to green[open] but the door remained closed. We thought the door was stuck so we tried to open it and caused some damage.

"I apologise for any inconvenience for my neighbours and I have paid in full. We had no part in damaging anything else in the building. The matter is closed with the police, and my focus is on tonight's match [against Marseille]."

The 25-year-old is back at Arsenal after two seasons on loan at Sunderland and Juventus, but he has struggled for first-team football so far this campaign, failing to start for the Gunners in the Premier League.

In February 2012, Bendtner, along with Sunderland's Lee Cattermole, was charged with criminal damage after cars were allegedly vandalised close to the home of their arch rivals.

And in March 2013, the Denmark international was fined 842,000 kroner ($147,000) for drunk driving and had his driver's licence suspended for three years.

Download ESPN's new UK sport app, a fresh and powerful new way to follow your favourite UK sports news, scores and video.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
ESPN staff Close