Arshavin blaming translation for Barcelona ‘career pinnacle’ comments

ARSENAL’s Andrey Arshavin has rowed back on comments that joining Barcelona would be “the pinnacle of my career”.

His coach Arsène Wenger was sceptical about the validity of the quotes and Arshavin claimed last night: “I am often translated wrongly. If I talk to the English press, there is no problem but when I say something in Russia, some special news agency takes it, translates it and sells these quotes.

“During the process of interpretation they translate my words as they see fit. I find this unpleasant because people might think I said something that, in fact, I never said.”

Not only does Wenger believe Arshavin will be at the Emirates next season along with “two or three” signings – he also believes Arsenal fans will see a better Eduardo.

The striker has had a stop-start season due to injuries to his hamstring, thigh and most recently a broken toe.

“He had a period where he was in and out, a little niggling injury. It was the first full season after his injury. He was a bit disturbed but I think next season should be better for him.

“We extended his contract because we believe in him,” said the manager. “He is very important but I will assess that situation and sit down with him before the end of the season, you want to see as well how he feels. He is 27 years old he wants to play.”

Wenger maintains his squad is “convinced” they can last the distance in the title race next season but admits Arsenal must tighten up at the back if they are to be genuine contenders.

With William Gallas not yet having agreed a new deal, and fellow veterans Sol Campbell and Mikael Silvestre also out of contract in the summer, Wenger could well move to strengthen his backline with Fulham’s Brede Hangeland a reported target as the Norwegian impressed in the run to the Europa League final.

But whatever the line-up next season, Wenger accepts his team must improve their collective defensive play.

“The squad is convinced we have a strong chance next year because we have room for improvement,” he said. “If you assess our situation, going forwards we have been very, very efficient – our goalscoring rate is very good. Where we want to set ourselves a target next season is we have conceded nearly 40 goals – that is too many to win the championship and is where we want to improve.”

Despite all his positive rhetoric, there remains a distinct sense of disappointment at what might have been.

“With five games to go, we were in a very strong position,” Wenger lamented. “Then, we had disappointing results at Tottenham and at Wigan – that is unfortunately where we lost the championship. I believe had we won at Tottenham, then we would have been level with Chelsea today. So of course that brings immense regrets.”