Wenger hits out at ´disrespectful´ Mancini

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has reacted angrily to Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini’s public courting of midfielder Samir Nasri.

The Italian was quoted as saying he hoped the midfielder could join Manchester City ‘before the end of the month’, and Wenger replied by describing the comments as ‘disrespectful’.

Wenger told reporters after his team’s 1-1 draw against Chinese side Hangzhou Greentown on Saturday that Mancini had ‘broken the rules of football’ with his comments on Nasri, whose stalling over a new contract at the Emirates has created speculation around his future.

“I think the comments are not allowed. They are against the basic rules of football and he should be informed,” Wenger said.

“I don’t know what should be done. I don’t spend my time worrying about what other people say because we are focused on our game.”

“Disrespectful? I cannot say otherwise. This comment is absolutely out of order but I don’t give it more importance than that.”

“What we want is respect and we don’t make these comments about players who are under contract at other clubs.”