Danny Welbeck reveals he used to ‘hate’ Arsenal team-mate Kieran Gibbs while at Manchester United
The Gunners duo faced eachother in a FA Youth Cup semi-final and the striker was less than friendly with the left-back
DANNY WELBECK has revealed he used to hate his Arsenal team-mate Kieran Gibbs.
The 26-year-old made his breakthrough at Manchester United but moved to the Emirates in 2014 and has become mates with the defender.
But Welbeck revealed their first meeting as rivals in a FA Youth Cup semi-final in 2007 - which the striker's goal helped settle 4-3 on aggregate in United's favour - was a less than friendly affair.
Welbeck said: "It was the first time we prepared like it was a first team match.
"It was a special moment. Obviously me and Gibbo are very close friends now but back then I used to hate him to be honest.
"He was bigger than me, faster than me, he was so strong and I was like, ‘what is this guy about?'.
"He scored the first goal at the Emirates. The second leg was at Old Trafford and I scored the winner to knock Arsenal out."
Welbeck has been back in action for the Gunners after being sidelined for nine months and has shown some encouraging signs.
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The England international has made six appearances this season and scored twice in the 5-0 hammering of Southampton.
Welbeck missed the Gunners' 2-0 FA Cup victory over non-league side Sutton on Monday after playing for the Under 23s on Sunday.
But the Gunners lost 2-1 to Leicester as goals from Elliott Moore and Layton Ndukwu put the hosts 2-0 up, before Ben Sheaf stole a late consolation.