"So, I'm afraid of trains am I? No, this is absolute total rubbish. Yesterday afternoon I opened a newspaper and saw that it's being suggested that the reason I've not travelled to France is that I'm afraid of trains. This is just ridiculous and I can't believe that this is being suggested. Why has my fear of flying been turned into this soap opera? Surely it isn't such a big deal? I'm sick of it. I've been able to travel to lots of places, including Barcelona and Fiorentina, in the past so it isn't a huge handicap.

"I know that Mr Wenger was asked whether I'm scared of travelling by train and he reportedly fell a little short of denying that I have such a fear. I wasn't party to that conversation but I'm a little bit disappointed that he didn't consult me on this or that I wasn't told by anyone at the club that this suggestion was being made by the press. It seems a little odd because Mr Wenger knows I have no problem with trains. Until the trains all started going badly wrong in England lately, the whole team travelled by train to places like Liverpool and Newcastle. I went on all those journeys with no problem.

"Other bits of rubbish have been spoken about this business. The press are saying it's a 10 hour journey to Lyon, when I know I could have done it in six and a half hours. I'm just sick of the whole business and wish they'd stop banging on about it and leave me alone. Surely there are more important things to be said about the Champions' League than this? It's a huge competition with Europe's best teams, why just talk about me and planes?! I wonder whether such a big deal would be made of this in Holland. As I discussed here the other week, there are cultural differences between Holland and England in terms of there being no tabloid press in Holland.

"Anyway, the reason I didn't go is that Mr Wenger wants to rest me. Sorry if that's not so interesting, but it's the truth. I heard late as usual - I was told on Sunday and that was a little bit disappointing for I'd prepared everything for the trip. But the boss has to decide whether I play or not and he chose not to play me in this particular game. I have to be big and accept that. He wants to keep me fit and it would be naïve of me to believe I'm going to play in every game now, even if I want to.

"So, of course, I was disappointed not to go to Lyon but there's no problem there. The problem is just that I'm a little bit tired of the whole drama surrounding my decision to not fly. People never seem to tire of going on and on about it and I'm sick of it. It isn't a joke it's my personal decision as a human being. Perhaps people could respect that a little bit more.

"I was proud to see that the boys got the win, what a great performance by the whole team. We are now more than able to go further in this competition. I'm delighted about this and look forward to taking part in more Champions' League games in the future. Come back soon for more news from Arsenal and my preview to the big FA Cup match on Sunday."