Arsenal cult hero reveals Real Madrid HATRED after Saliba extension

Former Arsenal star Andrey Arshavin will have enjoyed William Saliba‘s contract extension more than most due to his intense dislike of Real Madrid.

Earlier on Tuesday, Arsenal officially announced that superstar defender Saliba had committed his long-term future to the club by extending his contract from 2027 to 2030.

In doing so, Saliba snubbed Real Madrid. Los Blancos had made the France international their priority centre-back target for 2026 and were hoping to torpedo his contract talks with Arsenal.

The Gunners ultimately won out, forcing Real Madrid to focus on other targets, primarily Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate. The timing of the announcement of Saliba’s extension was also a clear message.

It came ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with Kairat Almaty, which forced the Spanish giants to go on a 4,000-mile trip after a chastening 5-2 derby defeat to Atletico Madrid. Unsurprisingly, the mood at Real Madrid was anything but celebratory.

Arshavin reveals Real Madrid hatred

The news of Saliba’s extension was widely celebrated in the Arsenal fanbase as a sign of ambition and also as proof of how far the team has come under Mikel Arteta. World-class players like Saliba are snubbing Real Madrid to stay in North London.

One Arsenal supporter who will have particularly enjoyed Saliba’s decision to reject Los Blancos will have been former Gunners favourite Andrey Arshavin. The ex-Russia international, who played for Arsenal between 2009 and 2013, is an avid Barcelona fan.

The 44-year-old ended his career in 2018 after a two-year stint at Kairat in Kazakhstan, and he naturally was in attendance to cheer on his former club against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Speaking in a casual conversation with journalists ahead of the game, Arshavin revealed his deep-rooted hatred of the 15-time European champions. “I hope Kairat wins,” he said. “Every Real Madrid defeat is like a balm for my heart.

“I wouldn’t have played for Madrid for all the money in the world,” he added, leaving the assembled reporters bemused. “My friends are also surprised, but for me, Real Madrid is a complete taboo. I’ve been a fan of Barcelona for a long time.”

Football transfer news headlines today

OFFICIAL: William Saliba signs Arsenal contract extension

‘This has to end as quickly as possible’ – Amorim receives brutal Man Utd sack verdict

Fabrizio Romano gives Enzo Maresca SACK update

Chelsea stunned as Rashford helps Man Utd sign €100m wonderkid

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store