Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has responded to shareholder Alisher Usmanov following criticism over the club's strategy.

In an open letter, Usmanov slammed the Gunners board's vision of the future after captain Robin van Persie confirmed his desire to leave the club.

Hill-Wood, who sold his shares to majority owner Stan Kroenke, has now dimissed the comments from the 58-year-old.

"It was nice to make that money, but I was never involved in Arsenal for that reason," Hill-Wood told The Guardian. "I was involved because I have been brought up to love Arsenal and that is my only concern.

"I do not know what [Usmanov] is trying to do really, I don't think he is right."

Hill-Wood's father and grandfather both served as chairmen at the club.

Written by
Jack Prescott