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.
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.