• Premier League

Wenger admits Bothroyd regret

ESPNsoccernet staff
November 15, 2010
Jay Bothroyd left Arsenal in 2000 © Getty Images
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Arsene Wenger admits the departure of Jay Bothroyd is "one of his regrets" as Arsenal manager and has congratulated the Cardiff City striker on his England call-up.

Bothroyd, 28, was ushered out of the Gunners ten years ago after an angry reaction in an under 19-match when he threw his shirt at coach Don Howe after being substituted.

The striker moved on to Coventry and played for Perugia, Blackburn, Wolves, Charlton and Stoke before really settling it at Championship side Cardiff and earning a surprise England call-up for Wednesday's friendly against France.

"He is one of my regrets, Bothroyd, because he left very early," said Wenger. "The incident didn't happen in the first-team group, it happened in the youth team and Liam Brady is responsible for that. They made the decision and I didn't stand in their way because it was a disciplinary matter.

"He had a little outcome you can have when you are 16, 17, when you are upset, but he is a good guy. He is a classy, left-footed player, strong body and has fantastic technique.

"Like all these talented players, sometimes they only realise later that they have talent but you have to work as well. Sometimes to go down to the Championship, there is no better education."

Bothroyd, who joined the Bluebirds in August 2008, has scored 15 goals this season, including two in Saturday's 4-2 win at Scunthorpe, to help fire the Welsh club to the top of the Championship.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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