September 11th 2024.
Jamie O'Hara is already getting the mind games started as the highly-anticipated north London derby approaches this Sunday. The former Tottenham midfielder has taken a jab at Arsenal's Ben White, stating that he does not have any respect for him. The Gunners will be heading to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend, hoping to bounce back from their recent struggles after the international break.
Unlike most Premier League players, White decided to take a break during the international break as he did not wish to be considered for selection by England. This decision has received a lot of criticism, and O'Hara has joined in on the conversation, openly criticizing White just before the crucial match between Spurs and Arsenal.
"He doesn't want to play for England," O'Hara boldly declared on talkSPORT. "If he doesn't want to represent his nation, then so be it. But don't expect anyone to respect that decision. I respect his right to make that choice, but I do not respect him as a player."
O'Hara then went on to further explain his stance, questioning how someone could not want to play for their country. "Representing your country is the highest honor in your career. It's something that every footballer dreams of. How can you not want to be a part of that?" he added.
The former footballer also touched on the sacrifices players make to play for their country, referencing Lee Carsley's comments about rarely seeing his family while on international duty. O'Hara believes that the satisfaction and glory of playing for your nation outweighs the challenges of being away from home.
White's decision to skip international duty has also raised eyebrows since he plays for a top Premier League club like Arsenal. With most of his teammates away on international duty, White will have a few days off to either spend with his family or go on a vacation. O'Hara believes that this is a luxury that White should not be taking, especially since he is in his prime years as a footballer.
"You can go on vacation for 20 years after you retire. But you only have a limited time to represent your country on the highest stage," O'Hara stated, emphasizing his disappointment in White's decision.
White's actions earlier this year, where he was seen playing Uno on a beach in Dubai with his wife while England was playing a friendly match against Brazil, have also not gone unnoticed. Football pundit Jeff Stelling criticized White for posting about his vacation instead of supporting his national team.
"What are you doing, Ben?" Stelling questioned. "It's fine if you don't want to play for England, but don't post about your vacation while the boys are fighting for their country."
As the debate about White's decision continues, it is clear that O'Hara will not be one to shy away from expressing his opinions. The upcoming derby between Tottenham and Arsenal just got even more heated, and fans can expect to see a highly competitive match between the two rival clubs.
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