Mathieu Flamini has gone from disaffected Arsenal player to France
international in just six months, and no one is happier for him
than Arsène Wenger.
The Arsenal manager admitted in April that Flamini may need to
leave Emirates Stadium to get regular first-team football but the
player chose to stay and fight for his place. Flamini's decision
has been vindicated with a long run in the Arsenal side and a first
senior cap for France.
The midfielder came on as a substitute against Morocco last Friday
and, although he returned from international duty with a minor
thigh injury, his late appearance at the Stade de France completed
a dramatic turnaround in Flamini's fortunes. Wenger is certainly
impressed by his compatriot.
"He got his first cap and we are all happy for him," he said.
"Since the begin of the season you judge Flamini on performances
and you cannot fault him on that. He has done a job in every area
of his game, defensively, tactically as a team player, and we know
as well he can turn up and score a goal.
"I tried to be fair with him [when he considered his future]. I
could not stop him from leaving but told him if he stays, he knew
the rules.
"We can only respect that mental strength and that character and to
show on the pitch how good you are. It gives you confidence when
you are 23 years old like Mathieu."
