Arsenal star Ben White speaks out after England World Cup exit as he thanks fans for support
ARSENAL star Ben White has thanked fans for their support after his England World Cup exit.
The Gunners defender, 25, was part of Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for their adventure in Qatar.
But the centre-back left England’s World Cup squad prior to their last-16 win over Senegal due to “personal reasons.”
And stunning reports claimed White went home after being involved in a training ground bust-up with assistant boss Steve Holland.
White has since linked back up with his Arsenal pals, even featuring in this week’s friendly win over AC Milan in Dubai.
And he has now posted a video addressing Gunners fans after they named him Arsenal Player of the Month for November.
White beamed: “Hiya guys, I just wanted to give you a quick message and say thank you so much for voting me for Player of the Month.
“I really appreciate it and I’m so thankful for the support you’ve shown me this season and every game.
“I hope everyone has a really good Christmas and spends time with their family and has a good time. Cheers.”
White’s message comes after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta leaped to the defender’s defence over the possible nature of his England exit.
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Arteta said “Very pleased [to have him back]. Everybody has been giving him a lot of support and love.
“We know the reasons he had to leave the camp. We are delighted to have him back and he looked in really good shape.
“I’ve been having conversations with all the players at the World Cup. Not only with Ben but with all the players to try to give support when somebody needs it.”
Asked about suggestions that White’s character played a role in him having to leave the England camp, Arteta added: “We can’t control that.
“I know who Ben is, what he needs, what his character is and how happy we all are to have him at the club.”