Bischoff - Wenger saved me

Gunners midfielder grateful that manager was not put off by injury

By Patrick Haond   Last updated: 12th February 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Bischoff - Wenger saved me

Bischoff: Back to full fitness

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Arsenal midfielder Amaury Bischoff has spoken of his gratitude to Arsene Wenger for having faith in his ability and signing him when he was seriously injured.

The 21-year-old signed from German side Werder Bremen last summer for an undisclosed fee, with Bischoff still five months away from full fitness.

The Portuguese youngster has now recovered from the groin problem which sidelined him for so long and has featured twice for the Gunners this season.

Bischoff came off the bench twice in the Carling Cup in the 3-0 win over Wigan and then in the 2-0 defeat to Burnley and the starlet revealed Wenger will not be rushing him back.

"I suffered very serious groin trouble at Werder," he told Aujourd'hui Sport.

Best level

"Arsene Wenger wanted me anyway. He hired me for one season while I was still injured.

"The first five months at London, I was training all alone. Arsenal saved me. Wenger gave me one more year to come back to the best level.

"After eight months I have already played two matches and appeared a few times in the professional group. But the coach doesn't want to rush."

The France-born midfielder also explained his reasoning behind his decision to play for Portugal after he was recently called up to the Portuguese Under-21s.

He added: "I am proud to wear the Portugal shirt. I will never be able to play again for the French team, but I have no regrets.

"I have already played with the Under-19 French team but when I left for Werder Bremen, the coach told me he would favour the players from French clubs.

"Now my ambition is to play with the Selecao."

Sagna

Meanwhile, full-back Bacary Sagna has spoken of his astonishment after the French side were booed off in Marseille on Wednesday.

The former Auxerre ace started in the 2-0 defeat to Argentina and although admitting that it wasn't the side's best performance the 25-year-old was amazed at the fans' reaction.

"We played a very good team. We have not been good all match long but we also achieved some nice things," he explained.

"You have to notice we played in a special context. Either at Marseille or in the Stade de France, we don't feel playing in France.

"The fans can't see their own importance in such a match. I can't understand, they are supposed to support us."