Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has spoken of his blow-up with former teammate Emmanuel Adebayor last season in the Carling Cup.

The Dane told The Sun: "He came on as sub, I didn't pass to him and he got annoyed. Then we had a disagreement. Then we went to the near post and what happened just happened."

It was claimed Adebayor said: "I only came on because you're s***."

Bendtner smiled: "If he did, I didn't hear it.

"My view now is if I don't have anything positive to say about someone, it's best I say nothing.

"Did I get on with him? We played in the same team. Outside that we just tried to make it work. We didn't exactly go to the pub together. When did we last speak? I can't remember."

So he should be delighted Adebayor has gone. Instead, he claims it would have been far more satisfying had the big Togan stayed - and he had proved good enough to take his place.

Bendtner said: "For sure. Because I love high-level competition and feel the more people you have to challenge for your place the sweeter it is when you take it from them.

"I have always been a fighter and that's the way I like it.

"I thought it was an equal battle with Adebayor.

"The frustrating thing was I could play well and lose my place - on the basis of his goals the previous season.

"I wanted to show I could do the same."