Arsenal defender Ben White has written a brief message on social media for the first time since his unexpected departure from the World Cup camp in England.
White left the England squad early on December 1 for “personal reasons” having not played a single minute in Qatar.
The 25-year-old hadn’t featured in any of England’s three World Cup group matches as an unused substitute and left the squad before missing the knockout stages against Senegal and France .
A statement from the FA asked to respect the player’s privacy, before Gareth Southgate refused to give ‘credibility’ to a story alleging a rift between White and assistant manager Steve Holland.
Since leaving, 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 Premier League return on Boxing Day.
Boss Mikel Arteta was happy to see him play again.
“I’m very happy, everyone gave him a lot of support and love, that’s what he needed,” the Arsenal manager told a press conference.
“You know the reasons why he had to leave the (England) camp, and we are delighted to have him back and to have him in very good shape.”
The club previously issued the message ‘We are with you, Ben’ after the defender’s departure from the England side.
It came after a statement from the FA which read: “Ben White has left England’s training base at Al Wakrah and has returned home for personal reasons.
“The Arsenal defender is not expected to return to the squad for the rest of the tournament.
“We ask that the player’s privacy be respected at this time.”