MIKEL ARTETA fears a post-Brexit clampdown on foreign imports could actually HARM the England team.
The FA wants to increase the number of homegrown players in Premier League squads by revising transfer rules.
England’s senior squad could be impacted by Brexit, according to ArtetaCredit: Reuters
That could boost the pool of players available to the national side.
But Arsenal boss Arteta claims the move would backfire as foreigners have played a big part in developing England’s current crop of young talent.
Spaniard Arteta, 37, who still regrets being denied the chance to play for the Three Lions, said: “Now they are on the right path.
“The age group they have is incredibly good with the quality they have now.
“But that is because they are surrounded by other senior players, some foreigners, foreign managers, English managers, English owners, foreign owners.
“There is variety and that’s what makes them rich and good.
“Culturally, mixing everybody together is good.”
Arteta moved to the UK in 2002 as a 19-year-old to join Rangers. Apart from one season in Spain in 2004/05 with Real Sociedad, he has been here ever since.
While Arteta was at Everton, the then England boss Fabio Capello and FA chiefs probed whether the ex-Spain youth international was illegible for the Three Lions because of his time in the UK.
Fifa scuppered that plan, which disappointed Arteta. He said: “I spent 85 per cent off my career here and felt so respected and grateful for what I was experiencing.
“I knew I didn’t have a chance to play for Spain because they were much better than me. But if I had the opportunity to play for England, I would take it tomorrow because I feel very English as well.
“I had the privilege to come to this country to play football, which in my opinion is the best in the world.
“I would love other people to have the opportunity to experience this.
“As a footballer in your career, you have the possibility to move countries and to experience different cultures, learn languages, adapt and challenge yourself.”
Football challenges do not come much more ‘English’ than Sean Dyche’s Burnley, who will host Arsenal today at Turf Moor.
But Arteta will not condemn the Clarets’ style of play. He said: “For me it’s very clever, intelligent and very well guided, what they do. That’s not anti-football.”
Arteta believes foreigners have played a big part in developing England’s current crop of young talentCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Arsenal welcome back captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from a ban as they look to end a run of three league games without a win.
Arteta added: “Having players that can unlock that door straightaway is a big advantage.
“That’s why he is always so important for this club.”
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta couldn’t be happier with new signings Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
