Arsenal's Robin van Persie has warned that the Premier League's physical approach could see some of the foreign stars head abroad.
Ahead of Saturday's clash with Manchester United, the Holland international believes referees offer little protection to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and United's Cristiano Ronaldo.
Van Persie's comments specifically refer to Ronaldo's sending off against Portsmouth, and his opinion that Fabregas was victim of rough treatment by Blackburn earlier in the season.
"You have to stay within certain boundaries," he told the Mirror.
"I know he (Ronaldo) headbutted an opponent, but he was kicked continually. Some referees do protect you, but not enough. Yes, that was nice, really English.
"You prepare yourself for a battle, especially when you go north. That's not a problem.
"However, I do have a problem when Fabregas is brought down and someone 'purely by accident' plants his studs on his neck."
Fantastic Fabregas
Meanwhile, Gunners' striker Emmanuel Adebayor has hailed Spanish wonderkid Cesc Fabregas, labelling him the 'best in the world'.
Fabregas has netted 10 times from midfield already this season, and Adebayor is certain the Spaniard is currently the best in the business.
"At the moment Cesc is the best in the world. It's between him and Barcelona's Lionel Messi. He's a great player too but, for me, at the moment it's Cesc Fabregas," he told The Sun.
"It's not just because he's a team-mate but the way he plays. Absolutely fantastic.
"He's our new leader, like Thierry was. We know with one pass, one shot, one corner he can change a game.
"He's scoring and he has gained in confidence as well. At any time he can win us a game."
akinos
ohhhhhhhh my honey robin van persie, long time no hear him speak le~~~
ghimpheng
Ronaldo need protection !?
felirox
Originally posted by ghimpheng:
Ronaldo need protection !?
yeah i dont think so he needs that. rvp must be out of his mind.