Alexander Hleb has thanked Arsene Wenger for helping him
win his 'dream' move to Barcelona as he revealed family life was a
big factor in his decision to leave Arsenal.
Hleb, who moved to the Catalan club in a deal worth at least
£11.8million earlier this month, hinted at his unhappiness with
life off the pitch in 'hectic' London. But he likened Wenger
to a father and called Cesc Fabregas his 'best friend' as he
repeated his denial of critical comments attributed to him before
his move.
The Belarus midfielder was reported to have branded Fabregas
'selfish' and spoken of tactical disagreements with the Arsenal
boss. But, back on British soil as his new team train at St
Andrews, Hleb took the opportunity to thank Wenger for his guidance
during his three-year spell in north London.
Hleb also spoke of his optimism for life off the pitch now he
has swapped the busy festive fixture schedule of the Barclays
Premier League for the winter break of the Primera Liga. 'I am
from Belarus and I was always with my family in December for
Christmas and New Year, and it is very important,' he
said. 'London was very hectic, it was really just football
that helped me in that life. 'I wanted a change and Barcelona
for me are the biggest team. It is my dream and I'm very
happy.
'Now this is a different league and I hope I adapt as quickly as
possible.' Hleb revealed Thierry Henry was helping him settle at
the club, and he was also grateful to other former Arsenal
colleagues. 'I never said anything bad about Arsene or
Fabregas,' the 27-year-old added. 'This was just an English
newspaper saying this. For me, Fabregas is my best friend and I had
a good understanding with him on the pitch.
'Arsene Wenger, for me, is like a father. He gave me a lot and I
learned a lot from him and I need to say thank you to him for the
fact that I now play in Barcelona.' Hleb added: 'If Arsene Wenger
stays at Arsenal, they will always play at the top. I think he is
everything for Arsenal.'