Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has promised Malaysian fans an exciting game when they take on Malaysia at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
Although charismatic skipper Cesc Fabregas will not be available due to a hamstring injury, the other stars in the Gunners’ line-up are expected to provide a rare treat for Arsenal’s die-hard fans here.
Wenger said he expected a tougher challenge from the Malaysian team this time around compared to their 2-0 win in 1999.
“I have not looked at the Malaysian squad’s games on video yet.
“It will be a beautiful discovery for us during match day,” said the Frenchman.
“The team last played against Malaysia 12 years ago. We expect Malaysia’s game has improved tremendously under the guidance of Rajagopal and we will line up our best team”.
Robin Van Persie, who will skipper the Gunners for the Malaysia match, said he was looking forward to playing in front of thousands of Arsenal fans in Malaysia.
“This is my first time here and it will be a totally different experience,” said the Holland striker.
Van Persie is also hoping that Fabregas won’t leave for Barcelona.
“It’s hard to see Fabregas joining another club.
“We had played together for a long time and we have a good understanding on the pitch,” said Van Persie who joined Arsenal in 2004.
“He (Fabregas) is a special player and his ability to make accurate passes and good decisions is simply amazing. I hope he stays.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal rightback Bacary Sagna said he would be out to regain the form that made him a big hit at the Emirates in the 2007-2008 season.
The Senegal-born player’s form dipped following the death of his elder brother in February 2008.
“It was a difficult moment for me after my brother’s death ... but I have moved on now and am prepared to play my best for Arsenal. I have my own family and my own responsibilities now,” said the the jovial Sagna.
“There’re no more top four teams in the English Premier League and the league is getting very tough.
“However, nothing is impossible in football and we will try to win the league next season.”
Although charismatic skipper Cesc Fabregas will not be available due to a hamstring injury, the other stars in the Gunners’ line-up are expected to provide a rare treat for Arsenal’s die-hard fans here.
Wenger said he expected a tougher challenge from the Malaysian team this time around compared to their 2-0 win in 1999.
“I have not looked at the Malaysian squad’s games on video yet.
“It will be a beautiful discovery for us during match day,” said the Frenchman.
“The team last played against Malaysia 12 years ago. We expect Malaysia’s game has improved tremendously under the guidance of Rajagopal and we will line up our best team”.
Robin Van Persie, who will skipper the Gunners for the Malaysia match, said he was looking forward to playing in front of thousands of Arsenal fans in Malaysia.
“This is my first time here and it will be a totally different experience,” said the Holland striker.
Van Persie is also hoping that Fabregas won’t leave for Barcelona.
“It’s hard to see Fabregas joining another club.
“We had played together for a long time and we have a good understanding on the pitch,” said Van Persie who joined Arsenal in 2004.
“He (Fabregas) is a special player and his ability to make accurate passes and good decisions is simply amazing. I hope he stays.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal rightback Bacary Sagna said he would be out to regain the form that made him a big hit at the Emirates in the 2007-2008 season.
The Senegal-born player’s form dipped following the death of his elder brother in February 2008.
“It was a difficult moment for me after my brother’s death ... but I have moved on now and am prepared to play my best for Arsenal. I have my own family and my own responsibilities now,” said the the jovial Sagna.
“There’re no more top four teams in the English Premier League and the league is getting very tough.
“However, nothing is impossible in football and we will try to win the league next season.”
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