Maitland-Niles update from Arsenal is ‘what I hate about football’ – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted he has a lot of sympathy for Ainsley Maitland-Niles after Arsenal blocked a deadline-day exit.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward claimed Arsenal’s treatment of Maitland-Niles is what he “hates about football”.
The versatile midfielder posted on Instagram yesterday (30 August) that he wants to join a club where he is wanted and where he will play.
The Mirror’s John Cross reported today (31 August) his move to Everton has been blocked and he will now not train with the first team at Arsenal.
“This is what I hate about football that people don’t see,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“When clubs don’t need you, they treat you badly. Look at how badly they’re treating him.
“He wants to leave, they’re not playing him and they’re not letting him leave.
“When a player isn’t playing well they will put pressure on them to leave.
“I feel sorry for Maitland-Niles, he will get what he deserves. Hopefully, he gets his move. He just needs to keep his head.
“It must take a lot to come out on Instagram and do what he did.
“The poor lad, he’s 24 and just wants to play football. I don’t blame him. He’s probably fed up.
“That doesn’t surprise me that they’re making him train with the Under-23s, that’s how clubs treat players.”
Maitland-Niles spent the second half of last season on loan at West Brom.
The five-cap England international made his first Premier League appearance of the season for the Gunners against Man City at the weekend.
In other news, an Arsenal star could be set for an FA visit to explain the “laws of the game” to him.