Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor has voiced his opinion on Arsenal’s complaints about the treatment of Bukayo Saka, urging the club to toughen up and not dwell on the rough treatment he receives on the pitch. Agbonlahor criticized Arsenal for complaining to the Premier League’s refereeing body, PGMOL, suggesting that such treatment is part and parcel of the game, especially for top-notch players like Saka.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Agbonlahor drew comparisons with football legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, highlighting the physical challenges they faced during their careers but still persevered. He emphasized that being targeted by opponents is a clear sign of Saka’s outstanding abilities on the field.
Agbonlahor’s message to Arsenal was clear: top players often face harsh treatment and rough challenges, but they need to demonstrate resilience and focus on their game instead of complaining about the physical nature of the sport. He underlined his point by recounting his own experiences of being kicked on the field but choosing to persevere and continue playing.
This perspective from a former footballer serves as a reminder to both players and clubs that resilience in the face of tough challenges is an essential quality for success in elite football. Gabby Agbonlahor’s words echo a sentiment shared by many in the football world, emphasizing the necessity for players to adapt to the physical demands of the game and rise above them, rather than seeking recourse in complaints and protests.