Wenger: gambling is players’ responsibility

ARSENAL manager Arsene Wenger maintains gambling is a matter purely for the individual, but accepted it can become a “negative” influence on players if taken to extremes.

Reports this week suggested England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has amassed a £700,000 (€1 million) debt. Wenger feels should the stories be true, it is a private matter for the players concerned, so long as it does not harm their preparations for matches or performance on the pitch.

“I have had no gambling problems because we have never played cards,” said Wenger.

“If they did, I would ignore them completely because every individual is responsible for what he does with his money.

“If somebody gambles he does not tell me necessarily, but I do not feel we have had that type of problem.”

Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren, the assistant England coach, maintains playing cards is a “natural thing to do” in football.

Wenger said there were no club rules at Arsenal prohibiting cards.

“They can play cards, but they do not play for big money.

“If it becomes a pressure on the player, it becomes negative. But that is down to where you feel how far you can let it go.

“As a manager, you feel responsible for the preparation on the day of the game, and of course you have to keep things under control. You cannot control everything. That is why I say it is everybody’s responsibility.”