A statement from Alan Pardew:
"In light of the media coverage surrounding my recent
comments, I would like to make one or two things clear.
When I said it was disappointing that there were no British players
in the Arsenal team that went through to the last eight in the
Champions League, I was not being racist or xenophobic, as Arsene
Wenger has suggested.
My view is that, if we are to have strong British national sides -
and success at that level boosts crowds and revenue in our domestic
leagues - then we need to have young British players coming
through.
I made it clear at our press conference last week that I am a great
admirer of Arsene Wenger and what he has achieved, and in no way
was I belittling their great result. Indeed, they have my support
and I hope they go on to win the Champions League.
But I maintain we need to protect our young talent for the greater
good. It is a view I know is held by the PFA, other managers and
indeed FIFA, who are considering introducing a quota system.
A manager who is married to a Swede and has signed players from
Ireland, Wales, Argentina, Israel and France, while giving trials
to players from Japan and Poland cannot be called racist. Our
multi-cultural approach to our squad is something I am proud of.
I care passionately about our game and will always give my views
honestly and from the heart."