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BBC Sport Online: Football: Teams: Arsenal


Saturday, 2 June, 2001, 10:03 GMT 11:03 UK

Wiltord's future in doubt



Sylvain Wiltord faces an uncertain future at Arsenal
Arsenal's Sylvain Wiltord admits he could be on his way out of Highbury after clashing with manager Arsene Wenger.

The France striker slammed Wenger's squad rotation policy - and claimed he had been promised a regular place alongside Thierry Henry when he signed for a club record £13m from Bordeaux last summer.

Wiltord claimed: "He did not start me with Thierry like he told me he would.

"It's clear he has to consider things I can't control, like tiredness, suspension and lack of form. But I know if I've been good or not and I don't hide behind all that.


Wenger was unhappy
"It's a question of principal not money. Work in training must be rewarded. I only recognise the logic of the pitch," said Wiltord.

Wiltord's future with the club was thrown into doubt when he went absent without permission before the final game of the season, a 3-2 defeat at Southampton.

He turned up late for training on 17 May and asked Wenger if he could miss the match which was 48 hours later.

Wiltord said: "Arsene laughed. He told me I didn't have the right to choose, that I was professional, and should not behave like that.


He did not start me with Thierry like he told me he would
Arsenal's Sylvain Wiltord

"I preferred to be honest and admit I wasn't feeling up to it. Arsene told me I couldn't pick my matches."

Wiltord, who has scored 15 times for the Gunners, admitted he was unsure of what plans Wenger had for him - despite reports linking him with French side Paris Saint Germain.

He admitted he would prefer to work things out at Highbury.

"I honestly don't know what the club wants to do with me. I sincerely hope we can make a new start.

"I am ready to go back for training on 16 July and am looking forward to a big season with the team. Great things can be done with the Gunners," he added.


Related to this story:
Bergkamp leaps to Wiltord's defence (24 May 01 | Arsenal)
Wenger backs Wiltord ( | Arsenal)
Arsenal: The 2000/20001 season (26 Feb 01 | Arsenal)

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