Arsenal defender Ben White wrote a short social media post for the first time since his unexpected departure from England’s World Cup camp.
White left the England squad early on 1 December after not playing a single minute in Qatar for “personal reasons”.
AFP
White returned home from the World Cup early with no minutes
Getty
And is now back at Arsenal
The 25-year-old had not featured in any of England’s three World Cup group games as an unused substitute and left the squad before missing the play-off games against Senegal and France.
An FA statement asked for the player’s privacy to be respected, before Gareth Southgate refused to give “credibility” to the story which claimed a falling out between White and assistant manager Steve Holland.
Since his departure, White has joined Arsenal in Dubai and has now posted a series of training photos on Instagram with the caption ‘We back baby’.
White played in a friendly against AC Milan on Tuesday as he looks to improve his fitness ahead of the return of the Premier League on Boxing Day.
Boss Mikel Arteta was delighted to see him playing again.
“I’m very pleased, everyone has given him a lot of support and love, which he needed,” the Arsenal manager told a press conference.
“You know the reasons why he had to leave the (England) camp and we’re delighted to have him back and get him really fit.”
White is back with the Gunners
The club had previously posted a message saying “We’re with you Ben” following the defender’s departure from the England camp.
It came after an FA statement read: “Ben White has left England’s training base in Al Wakrah and returned home for personal reasons.
– The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the team for the rest of the tournament.
“We ask that the player’s privacy be respected at this time.”
