Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara has aimed a dig at Arsenal star Ben White ahead of the north London derby, saying he doesn’t ‘respect’ him.
The Gunners travel to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend, as they attempt to get back to winning ways following the the international break.
White enjoyed a rest during the top-flight break, because he doesn’t wish to be considered for selection by England, despite his ability to play at the top level.
That stance has seen White receive plenty of criticism – and ahead of Sunday’s match between Spurs and Arsenal – O’Hara has decided to publicly slam White.
‘He doesn’t want to play for England,’ O’Hara said on talkSPORT. ‘You don’t want to represent your nation, then fine. No problem.
‘But don’t expect any respect from anyone. He doesn’t want to play for his country. I respect it (his decision not to play for England). I don’t respect him.
‘He is entitled to do what he wants, but I don’t respect him. How can you now want to play for your country?
‘It’s the highest pinnacle of your career. If you love the game and you love football, everything about it is… ‘Can I play for England?’
‘It has been in the past (his ambition to play for England). As a footballer, that is part and parcel of your career, being away from your family, as Lee Carsley said, he hardly sees his family, but he understands the glory and satisfaction you get from walking out with your country.
‘He plays for Arsenal. Everyone else is on international duty. He is going into an empty training camp or he goes away and has four days with your family.
‘You can do that for 20 years after you retire. I don’t respect that he doesn’t want to represent his nation. He is a top football player – it is a big story and a big talking point.’
White was on holiday in Dubai playing Uno on the beach with his wife earlier this year on the same day that England lost 1-0 to Brazil in a friendly.
‘What are you doing?’ football pundit Jeff Stelling said at the time. ‘What are you doing posting the fact that you are in Dubai playing cards? You decided not to play for England, that’s fine. Your prerogative, just let the boys get on with it.’