Ian Wright sends defiant message to Arsenal fans about Liverpool signing
The Arsenal legend tells Gunners fans that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deserves credit for deciding to move to Liverpool
Ian Wright believes Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain deserves credit for having the courage to move to Liverpool from Arsenal.
The England international became the fourth summer signing at Anfield on transfer deadline day following a £40m move to Liverpool from Arsenal.
Oxlade-Chamberlain turned down the north London side’s contract offer after entering the final 12 months of his current Arsenal deal.
The 24-year-old rejected the chance to join Premier League champions Chelsea amid reports that the England star wants to play in a central role in midfield.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has found his first-team opportunities limited since moving to Liverpool in a big-money deal during the summer transfer window.
The England international has only started one game at Liverpool so far after a disappointing performance in a 2-0 loss to Leicester City in the League Cup.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has been subjected to derision from some Arsenal fans and supporters of rival clubs on Twitter.
However, Arsenal legend Wright was quick to defend Oxlade-Chamberlain from his critics.
“In his mind, he believes he has to go somewhere else to better himself,” Wright told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“It would have taken Oxlade-Chamberlain a lot to move. We’re taking about somebody who is now not in the bosom of Arsenal. The unaccountability of that place.
“He is now in a place where he has to do it. He is learning that right now. Once he does that, he will get to that player I expect him to become. I just keep my fingers crossed for him.”
