Arsenal stars describe Ben White as new contract is announced on day of England snub – and it shows why he HAS to be in Gareth Southgate’s squad

Arsenal revealed that Ben White had signed a new long-term contract with the club on Friday morning with a video that may have made some subtle references to the England team announcement made earlier that day.

White, who has been a key member of Arsenal’s increasingly improving defense under Mikel Arteta, has signed a new contract until 2028 with the option of a further year.

The news came just hours before Gareth Southgate confirmed his squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

White was not in the squad and Southgate revealed he “didn’t want to be considered” amid reports of a row with his assistant Steve Holland.

Some have characterized White as a difficult player to deal with and that may be why Arsenal decided to accompany his new contract with a clip of his teammates describing him fondly.

Scroll down to watch the video

The video begins with Jorginho admitting that “it takes a while to get to know him.”

Captain Martin Odegaard adds: “When you look at him from the outside you might think he’s someone who doesn’t care too much, but he’s one of the guys who cares the most about the team, about his teammates.”

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“He’s a good team player, he trains very hard.” He’s always there for you when you need him in a fight.’

Gabriel Martinelli goes on to say that “every team would love to have a Ben White on the team.”

Players are then asked to give words to describe White and Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Martinelli answer “warrior.”

“An incredible footballer, always smiling,” Rice responds while William Saliba and Gabriel call White “powerful.”

It ends with England’s Aaron Ramsdale jokingly calling the defender “dumb”, but adding that he is a person “who will do anything to win”.