Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Arsenal transfer news: New Gunners signing blasted by ex-referee
NEW Arsenal signing Stephan Lichtsteiner has been blasted by former referee Jonas Eriksson for his behaviour on the pitch.
Arsenal confirm signing of full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner
Lichtsteiner became the first signing of new boss Unai Emery’s tenure when he joined on a free transfer from Juventus.
The 34-year-old will bring vast experience to an Arsenal squad which is looking set to be markedly different from the team which ended last season.
The right-back is currently participating in the World Cup with Switzerland and in their opening game against Brazil he was booked for a foul on Neymar.
But Eriksson, who has refereed Lichtsteiner on several occasions in European games, is not a fan of the defender.
I have met Lichtsteiner several times and he is one of the most unpleasant players I met
And the Swede gave a damning assessment of the Swiss defender.
“I have met several international players and to judge a person, you have to meet them several times – and not just once when they have a bad day,” Eriksson said.
“Because everyone can have it. But I have met Lichtsteiner several times and he is one of the most unpleasant players I met.
“You cannot talk to him, he gets more and more angry.
“When I'm trying to explain [my decision], I'm trying to be humble, but he's hard to get in touch with. It creates a bad mood.”
When Lichtsteiner was announced by Arsenal, Emery made reference to what he hopes the defender would bring to the club.
He said: “Stephan brings huge experience and leadership to our squad. He’s a player with great quality with a very positive and determined attitude. Stephan will improve us on and off the pitch.”