Cesc Fabregas admits Ben White is a “weird” footballer having turned down the chance to represent England, but blamed “society” for the backlash he’s received.
White asked not to be considered for selection for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with a report citing a bust-up with assistant boss Steve Holland while at the World Cup in Qatar as the reason for him snubbing Gareth Southgate.
The England boss had insisted White’s relationship with Holland had nothing to do with the snub, but it’s claimed the Arsenal star believes he was shown a lack of respect by the coach, who brought up his supposed lack of interest in football in front of his teammates.
White has dismissed claims he doesn’t like football, but admits he’s not an avid fan of the game.
READ: Ben White saga has exposed Southgate and England staff failures after pathetic six-word insult
Fabregas says the defender is in a “weird” minority but claims his views must be “respected” and came across a number of other players in his career who who had a similar outlook.
“I think it’s the society we live in at the moment. And I go back again to what I always say it’s all about the money,” Fabregas said on the Planet Premier League podcast when asked about White’s situation.
“Footballers get paid a lot of money. And it feels like they should all be focusing on football, no matter what. And they should be an example for everything, and you cannot make mistakes.
“Every error is being punished, double or triple a normal human-being. It’s the life we are in. One that we have to accept, one that we need to carry on our shoulders. And that’s it.
“I know plenty of guys, and of course, I will not mention names, that they finish training sessions and they just want to
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