It has been claimed that the Portuguese threatened to “break” the Gunners’ manager’s face during his second stint in charge of Chelsea but the Frenchman wishes to ignore the debate

Arsene Wenger has refused to criticise Manchester United rival Jose Mourinho for comments threatening physical harm against the Arsenal boss.

In a serialisation of forthcoming book ‘Jose Mourinho: Up Close and Personal’, the Daily Mail published alleged comments from the Portuguese saying that he wanted to “break his face” when manager of Chelsea during the 2013-14 season. 

Wenger, on the eve of a London derby against the Blues, has simply chosen to ignore the story.

“I haven’t read the book and certainly will not read it,” he told a media conference. “I cannot comment on that.

READ MORE | Mou threats prove Wenger is the bigger man

“I have no personal problem with anybody. I respect everybody in our game and don’t feel I comment a lot on other teams.

“What is amazing is that this has nothing to do with our game tomorrow. I’m focused on doing my job and respecting everyone else.”

Wenger is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his time in charge of the Gunners and will hope to celebrate with victory over Chelsea at the Emirates on Saturday.