Arsenal refuse to release Fabregas
442 Staff - Monday 14 December 2009, 16:47
Arsenal have informed Catalonia coach Johan Cruyff that Gunners' captain Cesc Fabregas will not be playing in a friendly match against Argentina later this month.
The 22-year-old Spaniard had been selected - along with six Barcelona players including Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Xavi and Gerard Piqué - for the exhibition match against Diego Maradona's men at the Camp Nou on December 22.
However, Arsenal are scheduled to play Hull on December 19 and Aston Villa on December 27.
And, speaking on Friday ahead of his side's clash with Liverpool at Anfield, Wenger confirmed that he would not be releasing his skipper for a fixture that is not recognised by FIFA.
"We don't allow the players to play in friendlies as we have too many games," he said.
"In life you always have to do well for the guy who pays you and the rest is less important.
"If they want to play charity games, the best way to be charitable is to sign a shirt, because basically I consider playing in games is on the cost of the club.
"In England we play football through the Christmas period.
"In all the other countries they stop and they play friendlies and charity games."