Misquotation is common every summer.
Newspapers twist quotes, use old quotes, make up quotes, concoct new angles on silly old quotes, and make up lot of stories.
In summer the papers exaggerate and trivialise even more than they do in winter.They do it shamelessly because football is the only sport that sells newspapers and the tabloids are involved in circulation wars which drive down standards and dumb down the media, relentlessly and cumulatively.
This process makes England look like a stupid country, and, as years become decades, it will actually make England a more stupid country.
It's been going on for a very long time.
When really lazy, incompetent tabloid reporters were really stuck for an Arsenal story 20 years ago they would phone the ClubCall line, listen to a sensible interview with Bob Wilson, and then write a piece saying THE EXACT OPPOSITE of what Wilson had said.
As you know, many foreigners (not just Sven) think the UK has the worst press in the world.
And, if you are a Brit, going on holiday is always bliss because you can get away from the lowbrow hype and garbage of English newspapers.
Yes, we all know that William Gallas is an outpoken character and always has been.
But Gallas DID NOT SAY that Arsenal should let Thierry Henry leave if he wants to go.
Millions of football fans think that Gallas spoke to The Sun.
He did NOT speak to The Sun.
What Willie actually said on his website was this :
"I have got some personal targets for next season, which are the same as the team's objectives. I am hungry to win matches and titles. Once you reach the age of 30 the best moments come when you lift a trophy.
"I hope that Arsenal will fine-tune their squad, by making high-quality signings. And as far as departures are concerned, if certain players want to go, we should not prevent them from leaving.
"I am proud to take on the role of one of the club's senior players. I talk to the youngsters, and give them advice. I've begun playing the big brother role with the numerous young players, and I am happy to do so. I am almost 30, and you have to pass on your experience to the young ones.
"Last season has been a transitional period for me. I arrived at Arsenal, and had to adapt to a new club and new teammates. I was out injured for three months, but still did not give up. I am a warrior, and I battle all the time.
"I needed to disregard a whole host of matters, and I reckon I have come through it all pretty well."