Arsenal striker Marouane Chamakh admits he has never experienced the kind of treatment he cops out on the pitch in the Premier League.
The Morocco international has been a revelation for the Gunners since joining from Bordeaux in the summer, scoring seven goals in the league and a total of 10 in all competitions, but admits the physical nature of English football leaves him bruised and battered.
"I was never in such a state at Bordeaux," Chamakh said.
"Things take on a new dimension here. Against West Ham I was in incredible pain with my neck.
"It was impossible to turn my head. Every ball that's contested here I get ploughed into - and the referee doesn't blow for it.
"When people pushed me in France, I fell down and got a free kick. When there's a hard tackle here, I have to get up and play.
"After a Premier League match, I walk off with my body aching, with scratch marks, stiff muscles. Three days later, we go again."
