Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner: I am 'tired of being portrayed as an idiot'

Frustrated: Bendtner has questioned the validity of his public image
ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images
Sam Long7 December 2015

Former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has claimed that he is 'tired of being portrayed as an idiot' and questioned the validity of his public persona.

The 27-year-old spent 10 years in north London and scored 47 goals in 171 appearances for Arsene Wenger's side before he joined Wolfsburg on a free transfer last summer.

It was hoped that a move to the Bundesliga would help to reignite the Denmark international's career but he has struggled to cement a regular place in Dieter Hecking's starting line up.

Bendtner has started just three games this season but has hit out at his unflattering image: “I don’t say yes to every interview request," he German magazine 11Freunde.

"I am tired of being portrayed as an idiot. And even journalists who I trust are not capable of describing in words what I am feeling when I am not playing.”

The forward is expected to be named among Wolfsburg's substitutes for Tuesday's crucial Champions League game against Manchester United but remains adamant that he is working harder than ever to become a key figure at the Volkswagen Arena.

“You can ask anyone at Wolfsburg: Is Nicklas in the gym before training? Is Nicklas always in the gym after training? And anyone would confirm that [I am].

"I have even bought an exercise bike for my flat. That I am working hard is there for everyone to see.

“I have always had a huge desire but perhaps not always the right perspective.

"I used to think that a forward’s responsibility was to score goals. Now I know that you have to run as well.”

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Bendtner described himself as a 'tiger who never gives up' towards the end of last season and he also elaborated on his admiration for the striped big cat.

“The tiger stands at the end of the food chain. He eats to survive, without any compassion, he doesn’t even feel it.

"He is the predator par excellence, an animal of dangerous beauty.”

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