Wojciech Szczesny Has No Sympathy for His Goalkeeping Competition, David Ospina

Updates from Friday, September 5

Szczesny has jumped on social media in order to clarify his quotes and to put to bed potentially starting a row with his team-mate. 

He posted on his Facebook page:

"

English press need to stop looking for a story when there isn't one. I said I used to feel sorry for Lukasz Fabianski because he was my good friend and he deserved to play first team football. 

Little bit different than (sic) saying 'Ospina isn't my friend and I don't feel sorry for him,' don't you think? 

With social media these days, your bull***t stories will get killed straight away. 

"

Original Text

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has never been one to be short of confidence, quotes or selfies. 

Sympathy won't be added to that list anytime soon. 

The Pole's chief competition for the past few years has been compatriot Lukasz Fabianski, who was admirable at times in spot duty, but Szczesny was largely the undisputed No. 1 and goalkeeper of the future. In new signing David Ospina, the Colombian No. 1, he has legitimate competition for the top spot. 

And he doesn't mind seeing Ospina on the Emirates bench nor does he need to be friends with the former Nice goalkeeper.  

He showed his competitive edge in an interview with Polish publication Przeglad Sportowy (h/t Sky). 

"

I feel confident of being No. 1 but I know I can't let myself play a few bad games. 

I know Ospina's ambitions don't end at sitting on the bench and clapping his hands while watching me play. 

He is a nice guy. In a sporting sense, he is a suitable player at a suitable club. But it's easier for me just in one aspect: I do not feel sorry for him. 

I do not think 'he's my friend' as I thought about Fabian. I was convinced Lukasz deserved to play, but not at my expense. 

"

[Sky]