Mikel Arteta has described the scandal that has marred Spain’s Women’s World Cup triumph as “sad” following another day of controversy in his homeland.
Spanish FA boss Luis Rubiales, 46, planted an unsolicited kiss on forward Jenni Hermoso‘s lips following their 1-0 win over England in the final.
He had earlier grabbed his crotch while celebrating the victory, as he sat next to members of the Spanish royal family. Rubiales has faced a furious backlash over his actions, with FIFA now investigating, but he refuses to resign.
Asked about the situation ahead of Arsenal’s game against Fulham, former Spain youth international Arteta lamented the situation.
He said: “For sure. Hopefully, it doesn’t [overshadow the win] because I’m extremely proud of what [the players] have done.
“The whole country is, but I don’t have the full details so I cannot comment on what happened today.
“But it is sad that this is happening while everyone should be celebrating and be extremely proud of what they’ve done.”
Arsenal face Fulham on Saturday and the Cottagers will be without star striker Aleksandar Mitrovic after he joined Al-Hilal for £46million last weekend.
Arteta doesn’t have a problem with the money being paid by Saudi Arabian clubs but feels their transfer window should close on September 1, instead of September 20, to fall in line with the major European leagues.
He added: “I think we have to change that. That is my opinion, yes.”
The manager further explained it would be a problem if Arsenal sold a player he couldn’t replace after Europe’s deadline, adding: “Yes, [it would be] very much [destabilising], yes.”
