• Premier League

Don Balon hits back at Wenger over Fabregas interview

ESPNsoccernet staff
April 22, 2011
Cesc Fabregas said on Twitter that his comments had been taken out of context © Getty Images
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Spanish magazine Don Balon has strongly denied accusations by Arsene Wenger that its treatment of an interview with Cesc Fabregas was "unprofessional" and that it twisted the player's words.

The Fabregas interview made headlines across Europe on Wednesday as the Arsenal captain suggested the club had come to a point where they had to decide whether they would develop young players or win trophies, and admitted his team-mates did not have a winning mentality.

In his press conference after Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Tottenham, Wenger criticised the conduct of Don Balon and suggested that Fabregas was unfairly represented in the piece.

"The article bothers me," Wenger said. "This was an article organised by the club with a check viewing of the article. Not only did the author not respect the agreement, but also he did twist completely the article and we are really upset about it. It is unprofessional and disappointing.

However, Don Balon has now published the audio file of the Fabregas interview and responded to Wenger's attack.

"We made a pact with the club that, if it were necessary, we would let them see the interview and make changes if they desired," the magazine's publishers said in a statement.

"When they asked for it, it was already in print but we sent it to them regardless. Revised or not, Don Balon would not have changed a single word of the article because it was completely faithful and respectful to the words of Cesc Fabregas."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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