Former Arsenal forward Jeremie Aliadiere has told Matteo Guendouzi that he would need to grow up as a person or would have to forfeit his Gunners career.
Aliadiere was a part of the youngster’s decision to move to the Emirates Stadium as he was playing for Lorient as Guendouzi went through the academy ranks.
Despite being impressed by the 21-year-old’s on the pitch performances, the ex-Gunners man has admitted there is a cause for alarm how Guendouzi conducts himself.
“Listen, I’m a big fan of the guy,” Aliadiere told Goal. “He’s like my little brother and I always told him that Arsenal would be a very good team for his development as a player and as a human being.
“He took my advice and came to the club, but I just feel Matteo hasn’t grown up as a human being yet. He’s grown up as a player, he’s matured massively as a player and every year he gets better.
“But unfortunately as a man, he hasn’t grown and matured as much as I thought he would by joining Arsenal.
“I think that’s what he’s missing and that’s why he’s not playing as much under Mikel [Arteta] because Mikel is not really up for that.
“He wants players who are going to do a job for the team and do what they ask him to do. If they are not happy to do that, then he will have someone else do it for him.”
Since the appointment of Arteta as the boss of Arsenal, Guendouzi has made just two appearances, having fallen out with his manager during the winter break.
His two appearances have come in the cup games, with his compatriot warning he would to change his behaviour if he were to come back into the team.
“Matteo’s a top player and he’s shown that since he’s been here,” said Aliadiere. “And that’s what I’m saying about him maturing as a human being and needing to grow up.
“I saw him coming through the academy when I was at Lorient and having confidence and believing in yourself is amazing and I think at that age it’s a massive quality.
“But I think at some point you have just got to respect and deal with the players and you’ve got to respect your coach.
“There are arguments that just don’t need to be done. I don’t know exactly what happened in Dubai when he fell out with Mikel, but that is not going to help him if he’s going to keep falling out with his coach or team-mates.”
Aliadiere added: “It says a lot when you hear Pep Guardiola and he says things like ‘great player, but more than that a great human being’.
“You can be the best player, but if you don’t have the right attitude and right mentality, that will cost you your career. I don’t care how good you are.
“I would be gutted for Matteo if he has to be sold or if he doesn’t come into the plans of Mikel because of outside behaviour and not because of what he is doing on the pitch.
“I know him, I’ve played with him and saw him coming through as a kid, so I want him to stay here for years and become Arsenal captain.
“But to do that, you can’t just be a top player, you’ve got to have more outside the pitch and be an example.”
