Wiltord: I'm happier with Les Bleus
Sylvain Wiltord attempted to explain his on and off-field persona and says he enjoys the banter of the Arsenal dressing room but feels he has more freedom playing in the French national team.
The Frenchman can come across as somewhat withdrawn compared to other figures in the Highbury dressing room such as Freddie Ljungberg and Thierry Henry, but the former Bordeaux man says he has been portrayed in that light by the English press because he does not give interviews.
"I am not mysterious," said Wiltord. "Actually, I try to give my best on the pitch and that is also true off the pitch that I am quite a discreet character.
"I have more friends in Paris and I feel more at home there. In London I am calm and I spend most of my time at home.
"I don't like to talk to the English press, which might explain why they ask themselves 'Who is Sylvain Wiltord?'
"I love to laugh and have contact with people. Of course it is easier for me with the other Frenchman at Arsenal, but I do like to tease the Englishmen."
The forward, who has yet to commit himself to the North London club beyond his present deal, said he was immensely proud to be part of the French national team and says he feels he has more freedom to express himself in Jacques Santini's side.
"It is one of my proudest achievements," he added. "I am fine in England, but I have less friends. In the French team, it is pure pleasure.
"I try to play the same way both with the French team and Arsenal but perhaps I am free to do more with Les Bleus.
"Perhaps I dare a little less with Arsenal and perhaps I could achieve more. Perhaps with the French team too I feel less pressure.
"It is clear I feel better in the French team, but I have been at Arsenal for four years, and I feel very settled in a group that doesn't change a lot and has true team spirit."
Speaking on his future with Arsene Wenger's men Wiltord added: "I have always stated that I am happy at Arsenal but I don't know how it will be settled.
"We will see in January or June, but for the moment I feel at ease.
"If you look at all the other European clubs, there are not a lot that can offer me what Arsenal offers me.
"So as I am very happy with the coach and the players and as long as I still have the same desire, I will stay at Arsenal."
