Bacary Sagna has hit back at Arsenal criticism from former teammate Cesc Fabregas.

During an appearance on fan podcast Arsecast, the Spaniard, now with AS Monaco, made some disparaging comments about his former teammates at North London.

Speaking to Goal, the 37-year-old Frenchman said: “I was surprised to read this.

“From him I was surprised because he was supposed to be one of the leaders of the team. He was one of the great prospects and as a leader and a true player, you don't speak like that about your club.

“So I was surprised because he is a nice guy, he's still a nice guy, this doesn't change anything. But I was kind of surprised.

“Arsenal made him so saying that some players were not at his level was a bit harsh because I'm not sure out of all the seasons he was playing at the club, he was always an exemplary player.

“At that time the press was talking about him not running enough or tracking back. So other players could have said 'you should be running more or doing more'."