Tony Cascarino has slammed West Ham star Marko Arnautovic for a lack of professionalism and put forward Arsenal counterpart Aaron Ramsey as an example for him to follow.
The Austria international was missing for his club over the weekend amid heavy speculation over a move to China, with the Hammers going on to lose 2-0 to Bournemouth.
talkSPORT pundit Cascarino has now criticised the 29-year-old for a lack of professionalism during this period, while holding him up in contrast to outgoing Gunners star Ramsey.
In a column for The Times, he said: “Marko Arnautovic has done what all bad professionals do. He has had his head turned by a big offer from China, thrown his toys out of the pram at the idea of not getting what he wants and ended up not playing for West Ham United this weekend in a match that his side lost. He is a great player and they missed him.
“His actions are in stark contrast to Aaron Ramsey. The Arsenal midfielder wanted to stay, had a contract offer retracted and will leave in the summer. But he is still giving his all for the club and his manager and playing well. His efforts have been a credit to him and a lesson for Arnautovic.”
OPINION
Arnautovic reportedly acted like a model professional during the first few days of speculation over a move to China, but the Austria international then seemed to become extremely invested in the thought of such a switch taking place. The prospect of his wages being tripled to around £300,000-a-week no doubt had something to do with it, and the influence of his brother, who is also his agent, also will have played a part. There is however still hope at West Ham that Arnautovic will not go on strike, like Dimitri Payet, who forced through a move to Marseille by refusing to play. Obviously reintegrating him into the squad will still not be an easy task for manager Manuel Pellegrini, who will also have to help Arnautovic reconnect with the fans, many of whom will have been put out by his actions. Cascarino’s criticisms here are understandable, but there is still room for Arnautovic to prove him wrong in the coming weeks.
