Arjen Robben Praises Arsene Wenger Despite 'Diving' Comments

Arjen Robben has not travelled for Bayern Munich's Champions League clash with Arsenal on Tuesday, which means the Dutch winger will not be subjected to Arsene Wenger's accusations of diving.

When the two sides last met 19 months ago, the Gunners boss accused Robben of being a "very good diver" when he won his side a contentious penalty. However, those comments—and the physical simulation gestures that accompanied them—have not lowered the Bayern star's estimation of Wenger.

In an interview with the Telegraph, the former Chelsea man recalled meeting the longest-serving Premier League manager at last summer's World Cup:

"

I met him in Brazil. It was not a problem at all. No hard feelings. I’m quite easy that way.

If they lose some managers are disappointed and not always fair and realistic

Maybe one week after, they say: ‘OK, maybe it was wrong what I said.’ But I haven’t got a problem. I think he’s unique. To be there for such a long time you are doing a lot of things very, very well. See the players who became better. Look at the way Arsenal has developed. In Holland or Germany, they always talk positive about Arsenal. Why? The way they play, no negative football, always positive technical football, wanting to make the game. I think that is big credit to him.

"

Wenger may not quite be on Robben's Christmas card list, but it seems clear that his feelings are not as delicate as his balance in the penalty area. 

[the Telegraph]