Ex-Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has revealed he was surprised by Cesc Fàbregas’ comments about his former teammates’ mentality.
Fàbregas recently made an appearance on Arsenal supporter podcast Arsecast where he reflected on his time as captain of the Gunners.
The Spaniard said he felt under a huge amount of pressure to win titles at the Emirates but criticised some of the players he shared the pitch with.
“I felt Robin (Van Persie) and Samir (Nasri) were the only players who were at my level mentally and technically.”
However, Sagna, who played for the club from 2007 to 2014, has hit back at Fàbregas’ claims.
Speaking to Goal, Sagna said: “I was surprised to read this.
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“From him I was surprised because he was supposed to be one of the leaders of the team.
“He was one of the great prospects and as a leader and as a true player, you don’t speak like that about your club.
“Arsenal made him so saying that some players were not at his level was a bit harsh because I’m not sure out of all the seasons he was playing at the club, he was always an exemplary player.”