Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi says criticism from former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit could haunt him for the rest of his career, and has called on former players to think twice before making comments in the press.
Mustafi was often singled out for Arsenal's sub-par defensive performances last season, and has barely figured in the current campaign after being told he could leave in the summer.
The German international stayed at the club but has yet to kick a ball in the Premier League this season, instead playing just twice in the Europa League and once in the Carabao Cup.
Ex-Gunners star Petit rounded on Mustafi in March , when he criticised him for conceding a penalty in the 1-1 North London derby draw with Tottenham at Wembley.
"I was surprised to see Mustafi picked for that game because he is after all the king of blunders," Petit told French outlet RMC Sport .
"Even though it shouldn't have been a penalty because there was an offside, it's Mustafi who gives away the penalty again."
In an in-depth interview with German outlet Der Spiegel , Mustafi spoke out against his critics and claimed that social media is playing a large role in forming unflattering opinions of players.
"That annoyed me a lot," he said.
"It's one thing when fans or media criticise you. But it's a different story when an ex-player who knows how hard it sometimes is in the field says so.
"I expect such players to be more sensitive and realise what this sharply worded critique can trigger.
"In the past, that might have been one day in the paper and then people would have forgotten it.
"Today it's on the internet and will haunt me for the rest of my career.
"Actually, former players like Petit should not have to make a name for themselves by making condescending comments about current players."
