Arsenal boss Wenger snaps over Walcott World Cup questions

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger lost his rag with reporters yesterday asking about Theo Walcott's World Cup chances.

Wenger is adamant that the rest of the Premier League campaign should be about Walcott demonstrating his commitment to Arsenal, not used as a proving ground for a place on the plane to South Africa.

Wenger fumed: "Why should I not be frustrated? The guy asks me if it’s an important season because Theo is going to the World Cup. The World Cup is in June. Is he on holiday until June 9? You cannot be serious.

"You are paid by Arsenal FC, not by the World Cup. During the World Cup he will be paid by Arsenal FC. He’s not played this year. It’s not his fault. What I mean is it doesn’t have to be my worry what happens in the World Cup. You must be serious.

"The reality in life is, 'Do your job my friend'. And make sure nobody can ever say you’re not committed, every day in your life, for what you’re paid for."

The Gunners boss added: "Listen, a guy who has a poor season has a poor World Cup. It’s as mathematical as that. A guy who wins with his club goes to the World Cup and has a good chance to win.

"You have no respect from the manager if you don’t do anything at your club. The only experience I have of players who won the World Cup is Vieira and Petit. They won the championship, they won the FA Cup, they went to the World Cup and they won the World Cup."